American Stock Exchange Opening, Wall Street Hours

Wall Street is, par excellence, the hub of economic activity around the world, influencing markets and investors in every country.

Today, more than ever, Knowing the opening and closing times of the American stock exchange has become increasingly crucial, especially in light of recent discussions on extending trading hours. For example, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is considering introducing night sessions to meet the growing demand of Asian investors, accustomed to 24-hour markets. Such potential changes would obviously lead to redefining trading strategies and access to markets for global investors.

Let’s find out together, therefore, what times the American stock exchange respects every day (what time it opens and what time it closes), holidays and, above all, why this is very important information for traders.

What time does Wall Street open and close? It’s Important to Know the Times of the New York Stock Exchange

As mentioned, knowing the opening and closing times of the NYSE and NASDAQ is critical for several reasons. First, the standard trading hours determine the periods of greatest liquidity, during which investors can execute trades with tighter spreads and a greater likelihood of finding counterparties. For example, the NYSE and NASDAQ officially open at 9:30 AM and close at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

Additionally, many economic and corporate announcements are timed to coincide with the opening or closing of the markets, significantly influencing stock prices. Being aware of these times allows investors to properly prepare and plan their trading strategies.

Considering time zones and margins of action, for an investor knowing when Wall Street opens is important for three main reasons:

• trading instruments on the American Stock Exchange: knowing the times in which it is possible to carry out purchase and sale operations on the American Stock Exchange is essential for those who want to invest in instruments listed on Wall Street;
• anticipating the closing days: the closure of Wall Street for the holidays in the calendar has an influence on the trading volumes on the European stock exchanges, so it is useful to have this information in advance;
• understanding the influence on Asia and Europe: although the American markets are the last to open compared to the European and Asian ones, what happens on Wall Street is always decisive immediately for the European session, and starting from the following day also for the Asian one.

US Market Closures: Holidays and Inactive Days

The American market remains open all year round Monday through Friday with the exception of some extraordinary holidays. Aside from the closure for Christmas and New Year’s Day, Wall Street is closed on certain National Holidays announced at the beginning of each new year.
These closures can impact trading strategies and portfolio management, making careful planning essential.

Closure Calendar for 2025

In 2025, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ will observe the following closures.

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

It is important to note that in addition to these holidays, there may be closures extraordinary. For example, on January 9, 2025, U.S. stock markets were closed in honor of Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024.

Early Closures

On occasion, U.S. stock markets close early, usually at 1:00 p.m. local time, to allow market participants to prepare for the holidays. In 2025, early closes are scheduled for:

• July 3 (Independence Day Eve);
• November 28 (Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving Day);
• December 24 (Christmas Eve).

2026 Closing Schedule

Although the 2026 closing schedule has not yet been officially released, it is likely that the US stock markets will observe the following holidays, as is traditional.

• New Year’s Day: January 1 (Thursday)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19 (Monday)
• Presidents’ Day: February 16 (Monday)
• Good Friday: April 3 (Friday)
• Memorial Day: May 25 (Monday)
• Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19 (Friday)
• Independence Day: July 4 (Saturday)
• Labor Day: September 7 (Monday)
• Thanksgiving Day: November 26 (Thursday)
• Christmas Day: December 25 (Friday)

It is important to note that when a holiday falls on a weekend, the close may be observed on the preceding Friday or the following Monday. For example, if Independence Day falls on a Saturday, the stock market may be closed on Friday, July 3.

Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Apertura Borsa americana, gli orari di Wall Street