Taiwan Traders Must Read: Complete Guide to US Stock Trading Hours and Time Difference Conversion in 2026

Quick Reference Table for US Stock Trading Hours

The US stock market is not operated by a single exchange. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, and American Stock Exchange (AMEX) each operate independently, but their trading hours are generally synchronized.

For investors in Taiwan, the most important thing is to understand the time difference. The US observes daylight saving time and standard time, while Taiwan remains unchanged year-round, resulting in two corresponding trading times for US stocks in Taiwan.

According to Eastern Time, the main trading sessions are:

• Pre-market trading: Monday to Friday 4:00-9:30
• Regular trading: Monday to Friday 9:30-16:00
• After-hours trading: Monday to Friday 16:00-20:00

How to Calculate US Stock Trading Hours in Taiwan?

The US enters daylight saving time on the second Sunday of March at 2:00 AM (clocks move forward 1 hour), and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday of November at 2:00 AM (clocks move back 1 hour).

During Standard Time (November to March):
US stock regular trading hours correspond to 22:30-5:00 Taiwan time the next day.

During Daylight Saving Time (March to November):
US stock regular trading hours correspond to 21:30-4:00 Taiwan time the next day.

This means that during standard time, Taiwanese traders need to stay up late to participate in US market open; during daylight saving time, it’s slightly more friendly but still requires evening activity.

Pre-market and after-hours times in Taiwan are:

• Pre-market (Standard Time): 17:00-22:30 | Pre-market (Daylight Saving): 16:30-21:30
• After-hours (Standard Time): 5:00-9:00 | After-hours (Daylight Saving): 4:00-8:00

When Does the US Stock Market Close in 2026? Knowing the Holiday Schedule is Key

The US stock market halts trading or closes early on major holidays. Taiwanese investors should pay special attention to avoid placing orders when the market is closed.

2026 US Market Holidays and Early Closes:

Note that some states may have additional holidays, but the above list covers all major nationwide holidays.

Understanding the Three Major US Stock Exchanges

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)—The Oldest

The NYSE is the world’s largest stock exchange by total market capitalization, listing over 3,500 companies. It uses a hybrid trading model, combining electronic systems with floor traders for large orders and price setting.

NASDAQ—The Tech Hub

Unlike NYSE, NASDAQ is a fully electronic trading platform with no physical trading floor. It hosts many top global tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, etc. Retail investors can trade directly via the internet or phone, with ample liquidity.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX/NYSE American)—Small and Mid-cap Specialist

AMEX, acquired by NYSE in 2008 and renamed NYSE American, specializes in small and mid-cap stocks. It is also the only exchange offering stocks, futures, and derivatives trading.

Basic Rules for US Stock Trading

US stocks are priced in US dollars, with a minimum trading unit of 1 share (unlike Taiwan’s 1,000 shares per trade). This allows retail investors more flexibility in capital allocation.

Settlement time is T+3, meaning funds are transferred three business days after the trade.

Transaction fees are typically 1% for manual orders and 0.5%-1% for electronic trading, much lower than traditional Taiwan stock brokerage fees.

Global Stock Market Opening and Closing Times

If you’re interested in other markets, here are the main global stock exchanges’ trading hours and their corresponding Taiwan times:

Understanding global market hours helps in planning 24-hour trading strategies.

Practical Tips for Taiwanese Investors

Mastering US stock trading hours mainly involves understanding time zone changes. It is recommended to set your phone to Eastern Time or mark key trading periods on your platform. Also, regularly check holiday calendars to avoid placing orders on market holidays.

Choosing the right exchange and trading hours ensures smooth entry and exit in the US stock market.