Complete Trading Hours Guide on Wall Street: NYSE, Nasdaq, and NYSE American

Overview of the Major Stock Markets in the United States

Wall Street hosts three key stock markets that set the pace for the global economy. Each has distinctive characteristics that differentiate them in volume, specialized sectors, and investor profiles. Understanding their respective schedules and operational dynamics is essential for any participant in the U.S. markets.

Operating Hours: Main Session and Extended Sessions

Regular Trading Session

The three main markets operate under the same schedule during regular trading hours:

• Opening: 9:30 am (Eastern Time - ET)
• Closing: 4:00 pm (Eastern Time - ET)
• Trading Days: Monday to Friday

Pre-market and After-hours Trading

Pre-market:

• NYSE and Nasdaq: 4:00 am - 9:30 am (ET)
• NYSE American: 7:00 am - 9:30 am (ET)

After-hours:

• All three markets: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm (ET)

Weekends are fully closed.

Distinctive Features of Each Market

NYSE: The Stock Market Giant

The New York Stock Exchange represents the most important financial institution on the planet. With over two centuries of history, this market hosts the most prestigious corporations worldwide. Its influence on Wall Street is undeniable, as inclusion signifies institutional validation among major capital players.

It opens its regular hours at 9:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm, with early trading sessions starting from 4:00 am.

Nasdaq: Tech Specialization

This market is distinguished by its focus on technology and biotech innovation companies, although it also hosts firms from other sectors. It lacks financial institutions in its composition, setting it apart from the NYSE in this regard.

Nasdaq opens at 9:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm, with pre-market trading from 4:00 am.

NYSE American: Small Cap Incubator

This market hosts emerging companies with high growth potential. It specializes in small caps that, although they have lower liquidity and pronounced volatility, present opportunities for significant revaluation.

Regular trading begins at 9:30 am and ends at 4:00 pm, with a shorter pre-market session from 7:00 am to 9:30 am.

Holiday Closing Calendar for 2025

All three markets are closed on the following days:

Note: Nasdaq does not observe Juneteenth due to its recent designation as a federal holiday.

Time Converter for Major Latin American Cities

Local Opening and Closing Times

Practical Considerations for Global Operators

Wall Street operates on Eastern Time (ET), which varies throughout the year due to daylight saving time. Spanish-speaking investors should consider these time conversions to synchronize their strategies with local schedules.

Extended sessions (pre-market and after-market) allow trading outside regular hours, though typically with lower volume and higher volatility. The regular session concentrates most activity and liquidity across the three markets.