The stock market is a vital part of the global economy, with investors buying and selling shares in companies around the world. But what time does the stock market open? Here’s a look at when the stock market opens and some tips on how to trade stocks once the stock market opens.
Stock Market Opening Time Around The World
While some foreign exchanges have set normal trading hours, others operate on a 24-hour basis. This can make it tricky to know when the best time to trade is.
For instance, the largest stock exchange in the world, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), opens at 9:30 am Eastern Time (ET) and closes at 4:00 pm.
However, there are other major foreign exchange stock market hours. (All times represent regular trading hours, Monday through Friday, and are listed in Eastern time.)
For example:
- Nasdaq Stock Exchange: 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE): 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Mexico Stock Exchange (BMV): 9:30 am to 4 pm
- London Stock Exchange (LSE): 3 am to 11:30 am
- Euronext Paris (EPA): 3 am to 11:30 am
- Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA): 3 am to 11 am
- Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE): 8 pm to 10:30 pm, 11:30 pm to 2 am
- Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE): 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm, 1 am to 3 am
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE): 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm, 1 am to 3 am
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKG): 9:30 pm to 12 am, 1 am to 4 am
- Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): 11:30 pm to 6 am
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASE): 8 pm to 2 am
- London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG): 4 am to 12:30 pm
US Stock Market Holidays 2022
The US stock market will be closed for the following holidays and federal holidays in 2022:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 17)
- Presidents’ Day (February 21)
- Good Friday (April 15)
- Memorial Day (May 30)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (observed on June 20)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (September 5)
- Thanksgiving Day (November 24)
- Christmas Eve (observed on December 26)
Stock Market Extended Hours
While the stock market technically has trading hours that it operates within, you can still place trades before it is open or after the markets close. These are called extended hours trading, and the schedules are as follows:
- Pre-market trading sessions take place from 4:00 am EST to 9:30 am ET.
- After-hours trading sessions take place from 4:00 pm EST to 8:00 pm ET.
However, it is important to remember that not all securities can be traded during these extended hours. So, if you’re looking to trade a specific stock, you’ll need to check if it trades during such hours.
What Stocks Can Be Traded During Extended Hours?
If you have no idea what securities are available for trading during the extended hours, these are a few lists of stocks that are typically traded in almost all the markets:
- Apple (AAPL)
- Amazon (AMZN)
- Google (GOOGL)
- Tesla (TSLA)
- Twitter (TWTR)
You can also check with your brokers as they know what securities could be traded during the pre-market and after-hours trading sessions.
What Time Does The Stock Market Open Where You Are?
If you’re not sure what time the stock market hours open (both stock market holidays and normal stock market hours) where you are, there are a few ways to find out.
First, you can check the website of the stock exchanges you’re interested in. For example, the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) website has a section that lists the regular trading hours of operation for the major stock exchanges.
Then, you can use a tool like Google Finance. Simply enter the name of the stock exchanges you’re interested in, and it will show you the current trading price, as well as the local time of day.
Lastly, you can check with your broker. Most brokers will have a list of the regular trading hours that the various exchanges are open.
What Happens When The Stock Market Opens?
When the stock market opens, there is a lot of activity. Traders and investors buy and sell shares in companies all around the world. This activity can cause prices to fluctuate rapidly.
Some people try to take advantage of these fluctuations by buying and selling stocks quickly. This can be very advantageous for day traders, as capitalizing on quick price movements plays very well into day trading strategies.
Others take a more long-term approach. They buy shares in companies that they believe will be successful in the future and hold on to them for years or even decades.
Benefits and Risks of Trading Stocks at Opening
There are both benefits and risks to trading at opening. If you’re a day trader, this may be a good opportunity for you to make some profits. However, if you’re new to investing, it’s important to remember that there are risks involved.
Benefits
There are several benefits to trading at the day’s open. First, there is more activity these days and prices can fluctuate more rapidly. This provides an opportunity for day traders to make a profit.
You have the chance to buy shares in companies that are just starting out. These companies may have a lot of growth potential, and their stock prices could increase significantly over time.
You can get an early start on the day. If you’re trading on the NYSE, for example, you can begin trading at 9:30 am EST. This gives you a head start on other traders who may not start until later.
Since most people don’t start trading until later in the day, you can avoid the rush and have a more relaxed experience.
Risks
There are also some risks to trading at opening. Prices can move quickly, and it can be difficult to sell your shares if the price drops suddenly.
You may not have enough time to research the companies you’re interested in before buying their shares. This could lead to you making bad investment decisions.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make impulsive decisions. This could lead to you buying shares in companies that are not good investments.
You may not be able to sell your shares right away. If the stock market opens and the price of the shares you own drops, you may have to wait a while before you can sell them and get your money back.
Should You Trade Stocks at the Stock Market Open?
Whether you should trade stocks the the opening of the market depends on your goals and objectives. If you’re a day trader, then this may be a good opportunity for you to make some profits.
However, if you’re new to investing, it’s important to remember that there are risks involved. Be sure to do your research and understand the risks before you start trading.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to trading, timing is everything. This is why it’s essential to plan out trades, including when to open and exit a position.
Understanding market hours is a vital step toward maximizing your profits and minimizing losses.