Complete Guide to U.S. Stock Market Opening Hours: Essential Timeline for Taiwanese Investors in 2026

Immediate Reminder: U.S. Stocks Are Currently in Standard Time

The United States switched to Standard Time at 2:00 AM on November 2, 2025. This means that investors in Taiwan need to adjust their trading schedules. The current regular trading hours for U.S. stocks correspond to 22:30 to 05:00 the next day in Taiwan local time, which is one hour later than during Daylight Saving Time. This time difference is crucial for Taiwanese traders planning to enter the market.

Complete Breakdown of U.S. Stock Trading Hours

The U.S. stock market is not a single exchange but consists of multiple securities exchanges, with the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and the American Stock Exchange being the three main markets. Although each exchange operates independently, their opening and closing times are generally synchronized.

Comparison of Eastern Time and Trading Hours:

How Taiwanese Investors Can Align with U.S. Trading Hours

Since the U.S. observes both Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time, while Taiwan does not adjust clocks throughout the year, Asian investors must closely monitor these transitions. Every year, at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March, the U.S. enters Daylight Saving Time (clocks move forward 1 hour); on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, clocks revert to Standard Time (move back 1 hour).

The following are the corresponding Taiwan local times for U.S. stock trading hours:

This means that Taiwanese investors wishing to participate in regular U.S. trading need to operate between approximately 21:30 and 05:00 the next day in Taiwan local time.

2026 U.S. Stock Market Holidays Schedule

The U.S. stock market closes or has early closing on public holidays. Investors should plan their trading strategies in advance to avoid unexpected disruptions. The following is the 2026 holiday schedule:

Introduction to the Three Major U.S. Stock Exchanges

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

The NYSE leads the world in total market capitalization of listed stocks, making it the largest stock exchange globally. Currently, it lists over 3,500 stocks covering leading companies across various industries. Trading is primarily electronic, but floor trading still plays an important role in large block trades and market pricing.

NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ)

As the world’s first fully electronic securities market, NASDAQ relies entirely on phone and internet trading, with no physical trading floor. Many high-tech companies, including Microsoft, Apple, and other tech giants, are listed here. Investors tend to focus more on growth stocks.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX)

The AMEX is the third-largest trading market in the U.S., with a trading model similar to the NYSE. It mainly lists small- and mid-cap stocks and is the only exchange offering trading in stocks, futures, and derivatives. After being acquired by NYSE in 2008, it was renamed NYSE American.

Basic Rules of U.S. Stock Trading

Reference: Major Global Stock Market Trading Hours

For investors interested in international markets, here are the trading hours of major global stock exchanges:

Mastering the opening hours and holiday schedule of U.S. stocks is the first step for Taiwanese investors entering the U.S. market. It is recommended to double-check for any holiday arrangements before trading and adjust your trading plans accordingly.