What Time Does the Stock Market Open

Find out what time does the stock market open in the U.S. and globally. Learn about pre-market, after-hours trading, and key tips for investors.

If you’re new to trading or investing, one of the first questions you might ask is: what time does the stock market open? Knowing the exact trading hours is crucial because stock prices often move the most during the opening and closing periods. Whether you’re trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, or exploring international markets, understanding market hours helps you plan your trades effectively and avoid costly mistakes.

What Time Does the U.S. Stock Market Open?

The two primary stock exchanges in the United States—NYSE and Nasdaq—follow the same trading schedule.

Regular trading hours: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday.
Pre-market trading hours: 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM ET.
After-hours trading hours: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET.

During regular trading, the market is most liquid, meaning you’re likely to get the best trade execution. Pre-market and after-hours sessions are useful but often have lower volume and higher volatility. For official details, you can check the Nasdaq trading hours page.

Global Stock Market Opening Times

If you’re trading internationally, market hours vary by country. Here are some key examples:

London Stock Exchange (LSE): 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM GMT.
Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE): 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM JST (with a lunch break from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM).
Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX): 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM HKT (with a break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM).
Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE): 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM CST (with a break from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM).

These differences highlight why global traders often work odd hours to capture opportunities in multiple time zones. A detailed list of international market hours can be found on Investopedia.

Why Do Stock Market Opening Times Matter?

Understanding opening hours is about more than just knowing when you can trade. It affects:

Market volatility: Opening sessions often have sharp price swings due to overnight news or earnings reports.
Liquidity: More buyers and sellers are active during market hours, ensuring fairer prices.
Strategy planning: Day traders and long-term investors alike use opening and closing times to plan entry and exit strategies.

For example, if a major company releases quarterly earnings before the market opens, you can expect significant price action right at 9:30 AM ET.

Pre-Market and After-Hours Trading Explained

Many investors wonder if it’s worth trading outside normal hours. Here’s what you should know:

Pre-Market Trading (4:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET)

Useful for reacting to overnight news.
Lower trading volume can mean wider spreads and less predictable prices.

After-Hours Trading (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET)

Allows traders to respond to earnings released after the close.
Like pre-market, risks include reduced liquidity and higher volatility.

Platforms like TD Ameritrade and E*TRADE provide access to extended-hours trading, but it’s best suited for experienced investors.

Tips for Trading Around Market Opening Times

If you want to maximize opportunities, here are some best practices:

Avoid the first 15 minutes – Prices can be very volatile right after 9:30 AM ET as traders react to news.
Check the economic calendar – Reports like unemployment data or inflation numbers often release before the market opens.
Use limit orders – Especially in pre-market or after-hours sessions, limit orders help you avoid paying more than expected.
Monitor global markets – Overnight events in Asia or Europe can influence U.S. market openings.

Common Questions About Market Hours

What time does the stock market close?

The U.S. stock market closes at 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.

Is the stock market open on weekends?

No, the NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Can I trade stocks at night?

Yes, through after-hours trading sessions on platforms like TD Ameritrade and E*TRADE, though with reduced liquidity.

So, what time does the stock market open? In the U.S., the standard opening is 9:30 AM ET, but traders also have access to pre-market and after-hours sessions. Globally, different exchanges have their own schedules, making it important for investors to stay informed.

If you’re serious about trading, start by monitoring the official exchange hours on Nasdaq or use reliable trading platforms to keep track of real-time activity. Understanding stock market opening times can help you plan smarter, avoid unnecessary risks, and make better investment decisions.

Now is the perfect time to align your trading strategy with market hours—so open your trading app, stay updated, and make your next move with confidence.