Essential Guide for Trading in the US Stock Market: 2025 US Market Holidays, Trading Hours, and Practical Strategies for Korean Investors

Introduction: Missing the Pre-Market Holiday Can Lead to Losses

If you are a Korean investor investing in US stocks, there is one thing you must understand first. That is the exact trading hours of the US stock market and the pre-market holiday schedule. Especially due to the 13-14 hour time difference between Korea and the US, and the daylight saving time system applied from March to November each year, managing trading schedules can be complicated. However, if you familiarize yourself with this information, you can avoid missing trading opportunities. This guide provides a detailed overview of all trading regulations and time zones for the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and American Stock Exchange, starting with the 2025 pre-market holidays.

2025 US Market Holidays: Important Dates to Note

The US stock market also has holidays when it is closed, similar to the Korean stock market. On market holidays, trading is completely halted, so positions should be settled before the holiday. Below is the full list of US market holidays in 2025.

If a market holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is observed on the nearest weekday, and trading is not possible during the holiday period. Especially from late November to late December, there are many consecutive market holidays, so it is advisable to plan your year-end trading in advance.

Early Close Schedule: Reduced Trading Hours Around Market Holidays

In some special cases, the market does not close completely but closes early from regular hours. This is called an early close, and the schedule for 2025 is as follows:

Investors trading on early close days should be cautious, as the market will close at different times than expected.

Overview of Major US Stock Exchanges

( NASDAQ ) NASDAQ ###

Founded in 1971, NASDAQ is known for its focus on IT companies. It is primarily traded by investors interested in tech stocks such as Apple(AAPL), Microsoft(MSFT), and NVIDIA(NVDA). It ranks second in the world by market capitalization.

( New York Stock Exchange ) NYSE ###

Established in 1792, it is a historically significant exchange and currently the largest in the world. About 2,400 companies are listed, with a total market cap of approximately $23 trillion. Major companies include Berkshire Hathaway(BRK.A), Johnson & Johnson(JNJ), Visa(V), and Walmart(WMT).

( American Stock Exchange ) AMEX ###

One of the three major US exchanges, it mainly lists mid-sized and small companies, unlike NYSE. It is preferred by investors looking to trade emerging companies.

Regular Trading Hours and Conversion to Korea Time

Korean investors must keep in mind that regular trading hours are late at night to early morning. Setting up trading alerts is essential to respond quickly to sudden market movements.

Trading Regulations and Precautions

All major US exchanges trade in US dollars, and settlement occurs two business days later. Unlike the Korean market, there is no price limit in the US stock market. Since the market moves at night according to Korea time, rapid declines can occur, making it difficult to respond quickly. Therefore, setting stop-loss orders in advance is crucial.

Comparison of Trading Hours of Major Global Stock Exchanges

For investors trading in markets outside the US, here is a summary of the trading hours of major stock exchanges.

*(During Daylight Saving Time)

Conclusion: Strategic Trading Including US Market Holidays

Understanding the US market holidays and trading hours in advance is the first step toward effective asset management. Market volatility can increase before and after holidays, so it is advisable to plan position adjustments accordingly. Always check official exchange notices to stay updated on the latest holiday schedules.