2025 US Stock Market Holidays and Trading Hours Complete Guide: Essential Information for Korean Investors

Understanding the Structure of the US Stock Market

There are three major exchanges that lead the US financial markets. The New York Stock Exchange, operating since 1792, is the largest exchange in the world with a market capitalization of approximately $23 trillion, listing traditional large companies such as Berkshire Hathaway and Johnson & Johnson. Nasdaq, which started in the over-the-counter market in 1971, has grown to become the second-largest in the world and is home to technology giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The American Stock Exchange, focused on mid- and small-cap companies, completes the three major US stock exchanges alongside these two.

US Stock Market Trading Regulations and Actual Operations

All three exchanges follow the same trading rules, with transactions conducted in US dollars and settlement completed two business days later. The biggest difference from Korea is that there are no price limit restrictions in the US stock market. Even during sharp price fluctuations, trading does not halt, so it is essential to develop trading strategies considering that the US market is open during Korea’s nighttime hours.

Real-Time Trading Hours: Summary in Korea Standard Time

Regular trading hours are from 09:30 to 16:00 Eastern Time, which corresponds to 23:30 to 06:00 KST(. During daylight saving time, it is from 22:30 to 05:00). Pre-market hours are from 04:00 to 09:30 Eastern Time, or 18:00 to 23:30 KST(, and during daylight saving time, from 17:00 to 22:30). After-hours trading runs from 16:00 to 20:00 Eastern Time, which is 06:00 to 10:00 the next day in Korea, and during daylight saving time, from 05:00 to 09:00(.

US Stock Market Full Holiday Schedule for 2025

Knowing the US stock market holidays in advance can help prevent losses caused by unexpected trading halts. The major holidays in 2025 are as follows:

• January 1) Wednesday - New Year’s Day
• January 9( Thursday - National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter
• January 20) Monday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 17( Monday - Presidents’ Day
• April 18) Friday - Good Friday
• May 26( Monday - Memorial Day
• June 19) Thursday - Juneteenth
• July 4( Friday - Independence Day
• September 1) Monday - Labor Day
• November 27( Thursday - Thanksgiving Day
• December 25) Thursday - Christmas Day

Early Closing Days: Important Dates to Note

In addition to full holidays, there are days with early market closures. On July 3( Thursday, the day before Independence Day, the market closes at 1:00 PM Eastern Time), which is 2:00 AM in Korea. On November 28( Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and December 24) Wednesday (Christmas Eve), the market closes early at 1:00 PM Eastern Time(, which is 3:00 AM in Korea.

Comparison of Global Stock Market Trading Hours

Investors trading across major global markets should be aware of their operating hours. The Korea Exchange operates from 09:00 to 15:30, the Tokyo Stock Exchange from 09:00 to 15:00 with a lunch break from 11:30 to 12:30), the London Stock Exchange from 08:00 to 16:30(, which during daylight saving time corresponds to 16:00 to 00:30) in Korea, Hong Kong Stock Exchange from 09:30 to 16:00 with a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00(, and the Shanghai Stock Exchange from 09:30 to 15:00 with a lunch break from 11:30 to 13:00).

Final Checklist for Successful Trading

Accurately understanding the US stock market holidays and trading hours is crucial for investment profitability. Although daylight saving time and the time difference with Korea may seem complicated, referring to the above table can help you plan your trades efficiently. Since exchange schedules can change frequently, always check the latest information and develop a solid trading strategy based on it.