Complete Guide: U.S. Stock Market Trading Hours

Time Zone Converter: NYSE, Nasdaq, and NYSE American in Your Local Time Zone

Before delving into specific details, it is essential to understand how the schedules of the U.S. stock markets translate to your geographic location. The main markets operate on Eastern Time (ET), so we present a quick reference table for the main Spanish-speaking capitals:

NYSE: The Giant of the Global Stock Market

Full Trading Day at the New York Stock Exchange

The New York Stock Exchange represents the epicenter of global securities trading, operating on a well-defined weekly schedule. From Monday to Friday, traders have multiple time windows to execute their strategies:

On Saturdays and Sundays, the market remains closed, allowing for settlement of trades and market analysis.

Daily Trading Windows at the New York Stock Exchange

Pre-trading phase: The NYSE begins activity from 4:00 am ET, allowing institutional investors to start positioning. This early session extends until 9:30 am, when regular trading begins.

Full session hours: The New York Stock Exchange operates at peak activity between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm ET. During these eight and a half hours, 95% of transaction volume and the highest volatility are concentrated.

Extended trading: After the official close at 4:00 pm, the market remains active in after-hours session until 8:00 pm ET, allowing investors to adjust positions or capitalize on last-minute news.

Holiday Calendar: 2025 NYSE Holidays

Nasdaq: Technology and Growth Specialist

Structure of the Second Most Important Market

Formally known as the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation, Nasdaq operates with a trading schedule almost identical to the NYSE. However, its fundamental nature differs significantly. While NYSE hosts established companies and financial securities, Nasdaq specializes in technology, biotech, and high-growth companies.

Nasdaq Trading Hours

Market opening: Nasdaq opens its platform at 9:30 am ET for regular trading, after a pre-market phase starting at 4:00 am.

Close and extension: The regular session ends at 4:00 pm ET, but the market remains accessible for after-hours trading until 8:00 pm, just like the NYSE.

Main Indices and Market Structure

Nasdaq maintains two key benchmark indices. The Nasdaq 100 groups the 100 largest companies in the market, while the Nasdaq Composite represents all listed companies. Both indices undergo annual reviews in October, with potential modifications implemented in December.

Holiday Calendar: 2025 Nasdaq Holidays

Except for Juneteenth (celebrated on NYSE but not mandatory in all markets), Nasdaq observes the same holiday schedule as the New York Stock Exchange:

NYSE American (AMEX): The Market of Emerging Companies

Characteristics of the Small Caps Segment

NYSE American represents the most dynamic link in the U.S. stock ecosystem. Specializing in small-cap companies, it functions as a breeding ground for future blue-chip firms. Small caps operate with significantly higher volatility than their larger-cap counterparts, offering both risks and opportunities for exponential revaluation.

NYSE American Trading Hours

Note that the pre-market hours on NYSE American start later than on NYSE and Nasdaq, beginning at 7:00 am ET instead of 4:00 am.

Regular trading window: NYSE American operates between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm ET, synchronized with major U.S. markets.

Extended session: The after-market runs from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET, providing flexibility for retail investors to participate outside standard hours.

Observed Holidays on NYSE American 2025

As a subsidiary of the NYSE, NYSE American closes on the same ten holiday dates as the main calendar:

Conversion of NYSE American Hours for Major Cities

Practical Recommendations for Trading in These Markets

Understanding the schedules of the NYSE, Nasdaq, and NYSE American is essential for planning an effective investment strategy. Traders who leverage pre-market sessions gain informational advantage, while after-market trading allows tactical adjustments. Keep your local calendar synchronized with ET hours to avoid missing crucial opportunities in the main U.S. indices.