So, You Want to Trade (But Is the Stock Market Open Now?)

➀ Stock market trading hours

Wondering when the stock market opens? It’s a simple question but with many answers.

Regular trading hours

In the United States, the regular stock market trading hours are from 9:30 am to 4 pm, except on certain holidays when it might close early, like Christmas Eve, at 1 pm (Eastern Time).

Pre-market & after-hours trading hours

But the stock market doesn’t just operate during these hours. Before it officially opens at 9:30 am, there’s something called “pre-market” trading, which starts as early as 4 am and goes until the market opens.

There’s also “after-hours” trading, which happens after the regular closing time, usually from 4 pm to 8 pm.These extra trading times are done on electronic networks and directly connect buyers and sellers.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zW-DG08mKa0

Online brokers like Fidelity and Charles Schwab allow you to participate in these extended trading hours, but remember, not all types of transactions are available during this time. Always check with your broker.

Related:  How to Invest In AI (Simply)

It’s essential to know that trading during these extended hours has lower volume, less liquidity, and can be more volatile, with bigger price swings. Also, important company news is often announced after regular trading hours, causing significant price changes.

Crypto trading hours

Now, when it comes to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, they trade all day, every day, 24/7. You can buy and sell them whenever you want, but not all brokerage firms offer cryptocurrencies. You might need to find a crypto exchange like Coinbase Global.

Commodities trading hours

If you’re interested in commodities like oil, gold, or wheat, their electronic trading happens from 6 pm on Sunday to 5 pm on Friday at CME Group exchanges.

The Intercontinental Exchange, another exchange, runs from 8 pm Sunday to 6 pm Friday. But commodity-related stocks and funds can be traded during regular stock market hours.

Related:  So, You Want to Invest in Stocks (Here Are 5 Simple Steps)

Why trade commodities? They can be a good way to diversify your investments and protect against rising prices, according to experts.

Weekend trading hours

On weekends, there are no regular trading hours for stocks on Saturdays or Sundays. However, some futures contracts, like equity futures and commodities, start trading on Sunday night.

International stocks trading hours

For international stocks, you might need to stay up late or get up early, depending on the country you’re interested in. Here are the trading times for some big global stock exchanges in Eastern Time:

  • Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX): 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
Related:  Raising Investing Wizards (A Parent's Guide)

But if you want to trade American depositary receipts (ADRs) of foreign companies, you can do that during regular U.S. trading hours. So, there you have it – the times when the markets open and a bit about what happens outside those regular hours.

⬇️ More from thoughts.money ⬇️

πŸ”₯ Daily Inspiration πŸ”₯

〝It’s better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.γ€ž

― Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Pavlos Written by:

Hey β€” It’s Pavlos. Just another human sharing my thoughts on all things money. Nothing more, nothing less.