Stock Market Hours Today: When Does Trading Open and Close?
If you've ever found yourself frantically Googling "stock market hours today" right before placing a trade, you're definitely not alone. This article is here to clear up exactly when the U.S. stock market opens and closes, help you avoid costly timing mistakes, and walk you through how to check today’s hours for the NYSE and NASDAQ, with a few real-life stories (including my own embarrassing slip-ups), expert advice, and a look at how international trading hours compare.
Quick Answer: U.S. Stock Market Regular Trading Hours
On a typical weekday, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). These are the regular trading hours, Monday through Friday, except on market holidays.
But, as I’ve learned the hard way, there are exceptions—half-days, holidays, and those weird days where your trading app says "market closed" and you’re left staring at your screen, coffee in hand, feeling slightly betrayed.
How to Check Stock Market Hours Today (With Screenshots)
Here’s how I double-check the market hours each morning, especially before trading days that might have weird schedules.
Step 1: Go to the Official NYSE or NASDAQ Website
The most reliable source is always the official website. For NYSE, head over to NYSE Hours & Calendars. For NASDAQ, use their Market Activity page.
Screenshot: NYSE official hours calendar showing regular and holiday hours.
Step 2: Check for Holidays or Special Trading Days
Even seasoned traders sometimes forget about U.S. federal holidays. In 2024, for example, the NYSE and NASDAQ are closed on days like Good Friday, Independence Day, and Christmas. There are also occasional half-days—usually the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve—when trading ends early at 1:00 PM ET.
I once tried to buy a stock on Black Friday, only to realize the market had already shut by the time I logged in. Not my finest hour.
Step 3: Use Your Brokerage App (But Don’t Trust It Blindly)
Most brokerage apps like Fidelity, Robinhood, or Schwab show market status on the home screen. For example, Robinhood will say “Market Closed” with a timer until the next open. However, I’ve occasionally seen delays or glitches, so if you’re planning something big, cross-check with the official exchange.
Screenshot: Robinhood app showing market closed and countdown to open.
Step 4: Be Aware of Extended Hours (Pre-market and After-hours)
Some brokers let you trade before 9:30 AM (pre-market, often starting at 4:00 AM ET) or after 4:00 PM (after-hours, until 8:00 PM ET). But be careful—liquidity is lower, spreads are wider, and not all stocks are available. According to the SEC, extended hours trading can be riskier due to less transparency and higher volatility.
Real-World Example: Missing a Trade on a Half-Day
Let me tell you about the time (last November) when I tried to execute a buy order at 2:30 PM ET on the day after Thanksgiving. I assumed it was a regular trading day. Turns out, the market had closed early at 1:00 PM ET. My order didn’t go through, and I missed a solid entry point. Later, I found out on the NYSE holiday calendar that this is standard practice.
Moral of the story: Always check the trading schedule for special dates, especially around holidays.
How Do Stock Market Hours Differ Internationally?
If you’re trading globally or just curious, you’ll notice that every country has its own rules. Here’s a quick comparison based on data from the World Federation of Exchanges and individual exchange websites.
| Country/Exchange | Regular Trading Hours (Local Time) | Legal Basis | Supervisory Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (NYSE/NASDAQ) | 09:30 - 16:00 (ET) | SEC Rules 600-612 | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) |
| UK (LSE) | 08:00 - 16:30 | UK Listing Rules | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) |
| Japan (TSE) | 09:00 - 15:00 (Lunch break 11:30-12:30) | Financial Instruments and Exchange Act | Japan FSA |
| China (SSE) | 09:30 - 15:00 (Lunch break 11:30-13:00) | CSRC Regulations | China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) |
Notice the differences? In Asia, lunch breaks in trading are common, while U.S. markets run straight through. Each country’s legal basis can be found on their respective regulatory agency sites (SEC, FCA, Japan FSA, China CSRC).
Expert Insight: Why Market Hours Matter
Dr. Emily Chen, a financial markets researcher at the OECD, once shared in a webinar (OECD Financial Markets): “Understanding market hours is critical for liquidity, risk management, and even fair access. Mismatched timing between global markets can create arbitrage opportunities, but also significant risk for the unprepared.”
Personal Take: Lessons Learned
My own experience? I used to think all markets worked like the US—no lunch, straight hours. The first time I tried to trade Hong Kong shares at noon local time, I got an error message. Turns out, the market pauses for lunch. It feels obvious in hindsight, but these little differences can cost you real money or missed chances.
Summary: Know the Clock, Save Your Trade
To wrap up: The U.S. stock market is open today from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET—unless it’s a holiday or special half-day. Always check official sources like the NYSE calendar before making a move. If you trade internationally, get familiar with local hours, legal frameworks, and regulatory quirks.
My advice? Set a recurring calendar reminder to check the trading schedule—don’t rely solely on your memory or your app. And if you’re ever in doubt, pop over to the regulator’s website or call your broker’s help desk (yes, sometimes it’s worth talking to a real human).
Still have questions about trading hours, holiday schedules, or want tips on after-hours trading? Drop them in the comments or check out the resources linked above. Trading is hard enough—don’t let the clock trip you up.