What Time Does the Stock Market Close Today? Find Out Now
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett. This quote frames why knowing the end of a trading session matters for planning trades and managing risk.
On a normal trading day, U.S. exchanges end at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Exceptions include full holidays and early closes on scheduled shortened sessions.
Today depends on whether it’s a regular weekday session, a holiday, or a shortened session. You can check live calendars to confirm any specific status in real time.
All official closing times are quoted in ET. We will show how to convert that to local clocks like PT, CT, and MT so you can sync your trading plan.
When people say “stock market,” they usually mean NYSE and Nasdaq. For regular days, both share the same closing schedule and similar trading hours.
In this article, expect clear guidance on standard hours, how NYSE and Nasdaq compare, what occurs at the closing bell, extended-hours trading, holiday calendars, and common timing mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. exchanges normally close at 4:00 p.m. ET on regular weekdays.
- Holidays and early sessions can change the closing schedule.
- All official times use Eastern Time; convert to local time zones as needed.
- “Stock market” typically refers to NYSE and Nasdaq, which match on regular closes.
- Article will cover standard hours, post-close trading, and holiday calendars.
Today’s U.S. stock market closing time in Eastern Time
For routine sessions, both major U.S. exchanges finish trading in the late afternoon ET.
NYSE and Nasdaq end regular trading at 4:00 p.m. ET
4:00 p.m. ET is the regular-session close for NYSE and Nasdaq on typical weekdays. Regular trading runs from 9:30 a.m. ET to 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Weekends are closed, and holidays or early-session schedules can change this pattern.
Convert 4:00 p.m. ET to local zones
Use this simple conversion to match your local clock. Remember to adjust for daylight saving time when applicable.
| Eastern Time (ET) | Central Time (CT) | Mountain Time (MT) | Pacific Time (PT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m. ET | 3:00 p.m. CT | 2:00 p.m. MT | 1:00 p.m. PT |
| Opening: 9:30 a.m. ET | Opening: 8:30 a.m. CT | Opening: 7:30 a.m. MT | Opening: 6:30 a.m. PT |
| Reference zone for data | Adjust your clock | Watch for DST | Confirm device zone |
- ET as standard: Most quotes and timestamps use Eastern Time, so it serves as the primary reference for U.S. markets.
- Regular vs special: A regular trading day is different from a holiday or an early close; always check an exchange calendar if in doubt.
- Plan a full day: The opening at 9:30 a.m. ET anchors the session, so traders can map activity from start to finish.
- Travel tip: Confirm your device time zone when working remotely to avoid missing the close by an hour.
Regular trading hours for U.S. markets: the standard schedule
Most trading activity in the U.S. happens during a well-defined daytime window. This period is the backbone for many strategies and order types.
Opening bell at 9:30 a.m. ET and the core trading session
9:30 a.m. ET signals the start of regular trade. The core session runs from 9:30 a.m. ET until 4:00 p.m. ET and draws the highest participation.
The core trading session is when liquidity and price discovery peak. Traders prefer this window for most executions.
Monday through Friday rhythm and weekend closures
U.S. exchanges operate Monday through Friday and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. That weekly pattern affects order routing and fills.
Many brokers accept orders over the weekend, but those orders normally do not execute until the next regular session. The opening bell and closing bell mark the official boundaries of the market day.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett.
- Standard hours: open at 9:30 a.m. ET, close at 4:00 p.m. ET.
- Weekend note: orders may queue but wait for the next session to execute.
- Next: pre-market and after-hours behave differently from regular trading hours.
what time does the stock market close today on NYSE vs. Nasdaq?
Major exchanges in the U.S. synchronize regular-session endings to keep pricing consistent.
Why both exchanges normally share a 4:00 p.m. ET close
NYSE and Nasdaq both end their regular session at 4:00 p.m. ET on typical trading days. This alignment ensures final trades, index calculations, and official closing prints reflect the same reference point.
Having a shared closing hour helps cross-listed stocks settle fairly and keeps headline summaries uniform. When reports say “markets close higher,” they usually refer to those 4:00 p.m. ET prints.
Exchange, market, and session — clear definitions
Exchange means a venue like NYSE or Nasdaq. Market refers to the broader U.S. equities ecosystem made up of many venues and participants.
Session denotes the specific open-to-close window when core liquidity and price discovery occur. Note that extended-hours trading and ECNs can move execution outside that core session, and broker rules may vary.
- Both venues: regular close at 4:00 p.m. ET.
- Synchronized closes matter for pricing and index math.
- Execution can shift post-close via ECNs and after-hours windows.
When the market closes, what happens to prices, orders, and trades?
As the session ends, final prints lock in benchmark quotes that many funds and indexes use. These last executions create the official end-of-day price many services and analysts reference.
Closing prints, final quotes, and end-of-day liquidity
In the final minutes, liquidity often thins and spreads can widen. Quick rebalancing or block activity can push price swings and cause rapid ticks.
Closing prints set values used for index calculations and performance reporting. Because many participants target that window, volume can spike and quotes may differ from mid-session levels.
How brokers process orders around the close
Brokers handle orders based on time-in-force and account permissions. Some orders expire at session end while others carry forward or route to extended sessions if enabled.
After 4:00 p.m. ET, certain platforms accept new entries but will queue them for the next regular session unless after-hours trading is allowed.
- Operational meaning: final trades print, closing quotes are established, and benchmarks reference those end-of-day prices.
- Liquidity shifts: spreads can widen and partial fills may occur as participants rebalance.
- Order handling: orders may expire, roll, or route to an ECN-based system for extended trading when permitted.
Pre-market trading hours in the U.S. (extended hours)
Pre-market windows let traders act on overnight headlines before regular trading begins. These extended hours allow orders to execute prior to the 9:30 a.m. ET open and help participants respond to news ahead of the core session.
Nasdaq runs a pre-market session from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET. Access to that early a.m. liquidity depends on your broker and account permissions, so confirm what your platform supports.
NYSE-related venues use staggered windows. NYSE Arca has a pre-opening at 2:30 a.m. ET and early trading from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET. Other NYSE networks start pre-opening at 6:30 a.m. and allow trading from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET.
Earnings reports, economic releases, analyst moves, and global headlines can shift a stock price before the open. Expect thinner participation, wider spreads, and more volatile prints compared with regular hours.
Tip: Verify which pre-market session your broker supports so you don’t assume all platforms allow orders at the same early hour.
After-hours trading: what you can do after 4:00 p.m. ET
Once the main session ends, electronic networks often continue matching orders for several more hours. After-hours trading lets traders react to late earnings, news, or rebalancing needs after 4:00 p.m.
Nasdaq extended session
Nasdaq supports an after-hours window from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Broker cutoffs and account eligibility vary, so confirm your platform before placing orders.
NYSE venue differences
Some NYSE-affiliated venues — like Arca, NYSE American, NYSE Chicago, and NYSE National — also run late sessions through 8:00 p.m. ET. The NYSE main exchange itself does not offer a late trading session.
How the system matches trades
Extended-hours activity runs through ECNs, an electronic matching system separate from regular exchange routing. That changes how orders are displayed and executed.
Risks and guardrails
Lower liquidity often means wider spreads and higher volatility during after-hours trading. Use smaller sizes and prefer limit orders. Watch for sharp moves around earnings and major releases.
Which order types work when markets are closed?
In thin trading windows, a clear order strategy beats speed every time.
Limit orders are the go-to choice after regular hours. They let you set a maximum buy price or minimum sell price. That control avoids sweeping fills at extreme quotes when liquidity is low.
Market orders often won’t work outside the core session. Brokers may block them because counterparties are scarce and quotes can move fast. If allowed, a market order can fill at a price far from expectations.
How broker rules and account types differ
Each broker and account can show different available features. An IRA, margin account, or retail account might allow or block certain kinds of orders.
Routing and matching systems also affect outcomes. Some platforms queue orders until the next session. Others route to ECNs and may return partial fills.
| Factor | Common effect | Action to take |
|---|---|---|
| Order type | Limit preferred; market often blocked | Use limit with a realistic price |
| Broker policy | Variations by firm and account | Check platform rules before trading |
| Routing / system | Queue, partial fills, or rejection possible | Confirm ECN routing and time-in-force |
| Liquidity | Lower spreads, higher volatility | Reduce size and use limits |
Pre-submit checklist
- Confirm session (after-hours or pre-market) and platform support.
- Verify eligible order types for your account.
- Set time-in-force and review routing/ECN options.
- Choose a limit that reflects risk tolerance, not speed.
Bottom line: aim for price control and risk management when trading outside core hours. Prioritize limit orders, check broker rules, and expect systems to behave differently than during regular sessions.
Holiday market closures: when the stock market is closed
Major U.S. trading venues pause activity on several federal observances and selected dates each year. These closures are planned well in advance and appear on official exchange schedules.
Why exchanges close: federal holidays and key observances reflect national schedules and support uniform settlement practices across firms. A listed holiday can mean a full-day shutdown for most venues.
Observed dates matter. If a holiday falls on a weekend, exchanges often observe it on the nearest weekday. That observed day is treated the same as the actual holiday for trading and settlement.
How to check before you trade
Always verify an official holiday list or your broker’s calendar before placing time-sensitive orders. That prevents unexpected routing delays or missed settlement windows.
- Consult the published exchange schedule for full-day closures and observed dates.
- Remember a holiday affects settlement cycles and may shift clearing by one business day.
- Do not assume extended-hours remain available—many venues close fully on major holidays.
| Area | What to expect | Action to take |
|---|---|---|
| Full-day holiday | No regular session; many venues closed | Delay orders or verify broker notice |
| Observed holiday | Shifted closure when date falls on weekend | Check calendar for observed date |
| Settlement impact | Clearing may move by one business day | Adjust trade settlement plans |
| Extended-hours | Often unavailable on full holidays | Confirm platform availability |
Next: we’ll list upcoming U.S. holidays based on published exchange schedules so you can plan your trading calendar.
Upcoming U.S. stock market holidays to know (based on published schedules)
Exchange calendars publish closure dates in advance each year to help you plan transfers, trades, and settlement around long weekends.
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Washington’s Birthday
2026: New Year’s Day — Thu Jan 1; MLK Day — Mon Jan 19; Washington’s Birthday — Mon Feb 16.
2027: New Year’s Day — Fri Jan 1; MLK Day — Mon Jan 18; Washington’s Birthday — Mon Feb 15.
2028: MLK Day — Mon Jan 17; Washington’s Birthday — Mon Feb 21; New Year’s Day observed as listed by exchanges.
Good Friday and Memorial Day
2026: Good Friday — Fri Apr 3; Memorial Day — Mon May 25.
2027: Good Friday — Fri Mar 26; Memorial Day — Mon May 31.
2028: Good Friday — Fri Apr 14; Memorial Day — Mon May 29.
Juneteenth and Independence Day (including observed dates)
2026: Juneteenth — Fri Jun 19; Independence Day observed — Fri Jul 3.
2027: Juneteenth observed — Fri Jun 18; Independence Day observed — Mon Jul 5.
2028: Juneteenth — Mon Jun 19; Independence Day — Tue Jul 4.
Note: Observed dates shift when a holiday falls on a weekend. Exchanges publish those observed entries in their annual schedule.
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (including observed dates)
2026: Labor Day — Mon Sep 7; Thanksgiving — Thu Nov 26; Christmas Day — Fri Dec 25.
2027: Labor Day — Mon Sep 6; Thanksgiving — Thu Nov 25; Christmas observed — Fri Dec 24.
2028: Labor Day — Mon Sep 4; Thanksgiving — Thu Nov 23; Christmas Day — Mon Dec 25.
Tip: observed dates can move a closure to a nearby weekday. Plan around those shifts for transfers and settlement.
| Year | Key closed days | Planning action |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jan 1, Jan 19, Feb 16, Apr 3, May 25, Jun 19, Jul 3 (observed), Sep 7, Nov 26, Dec 25 | Bookmark exchange calendar; adjust transfers before long weekends |
| 2027 | Jan 1, Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 26, May 31, Jun 18 (observed), Jul 5 (observed), Sep 6, Nov 25, Dec 24 (observed) | Verify broker calendar for observed closures and settlement impacts |
| 2028 | Jan 17, Feb 21, Apr 14, May 29, Jun 19, Jul 4, Sep 4, Nov 23, Dec 25 | Plan trades away from earnings or macro days that border long breaks |
- Use published lists: these dates help schedule deposits, transfers, and trade timing.
- Bookmark calendars: compare exchange and broker schedules to avoid missed fills.
- Trading impact: holiday schedule matters around earnings seasons and major releases.
Early closes vs. full-day closures: what “closes early” means
An early close is a scheduled, shortened session that ends before the normal finish. A full-day closure is a complete pause with no regular session at all.
Why this matters: shortened sessions compress trading hours, moving liquidity and order flow into a tighter window. That can raise volatility and widen spreads as more activity concentrates into fewer minutes.
How shortened sessions can affect trading hours and order timing
When a venue ends early, tactics that rely on a late-afternoon fill may fail. Traders expecting a 4:00 p.m. ET finish can miss executions if the session wraps sooner.
Order types behave differently in a compressed session. Limit orders remain useful, but market orders risk partial or poor fills as counterparties thin out.
Planning trades around shortened sessions
- Check calendars: confirm exchange and broker schedules before placing time-sensitive orders.
- Set alerts: use brokerage notifications to avoid last-minute surprises on early-close days.
- Adjust sizes: reduce trade size and prefer limit pricing when liquidity looks compressed.
- Verify venue rules: some products or venues follow unique shortened-session procedures — confirm where your order will execute.
Tip: use real-time schedule tools and platform alerts to prevent mistakes on early-close days. Those confirmations are covered in the next section.
How to confirm today’s market close in real time
A quick check of exchange notices avoids surprises on days with altered session hours.
Most reliable sources: start with official exchange calendars. They list regular hours, holiday closures, and special sessions. Next, check your brokerage platform for live indicators and announcements.
Where to look inside your broker
- Market-hours banners on the main dashboard.
- Calendar widgets or alerts on trading tickets.
- News feeds and system notices that flag early closes or holiday schedules.
Signals a session may be nonstandard
- Holiday notices or a visible early-close alert.
- Disabled order types or reduced extended-hours options.
- Lower displayed liquidity or special routing messages.
Action steps: cross-check exchange listings and broker banners before placing time-sensitive trades. Set platform notifications for schedule changes and treat this like verifying business hours before an appointment.
Why the closing time matters for investors and traders
A scheduled session end marks more than a clock change; it fixes daily benchmarks and trading windows.
Practical boundary: regular-session execution stops and many performance figures are locked in at that moment. Mutual funds and index reports commonly use end-of-day prints for valuation and performance reporting.
Liquidity shifts near the end can cause sharper moves in individual stock and index quotes. Participation can concentrate in final minutes, so spreads may widen and sudden swings happen.
Timing tips for day traders
Manage end-of-session risk and avoid unwanted overnight exposure. Many day traders reduce size or close positions before the session ends to limit surprises.
Timing tips for longer-term investors
Place orders when spreads are tighter during core hours to get better fills. For large orders, consider working with limit instructions or broker algorithms to reduce market impact.
| Role | Near-close behavior | Suggested action |
|---|---|---|
| Day trader | Higher volume, rapid swings | Trim positions; use limits |
| Long-term investor | Tighter spreads mid-session | Place during core hours; use limit |
| Fund / operations | End-of-day prints set NAV | Reconcile using official close |
Business skill: understanding closing mechanics helps avoid needless execution surprises and aligns trading with settlement and reporting flows for securities.
Understanding the “closing bell” and end-of-day trading activity
The bell at session end signals more than ceremony; it finalizes official end-of-day prints.
What the bell represents for the trading day
The ringing bell marks the end of the regular trading session in U.S. exchanges. It serves as a ceremonial cue and a functional cutoff for final trade matching.
Why volume spikes near the final minutes
Volume often surges as institutions rebalance portfolios and index funds align holdings to published benchmarks. Traders also execute last-minute strategies to avoid overnight exposure.
That rush compresses liquidity. Spreads can widen and prices can move quickly in short bursts.
| Driver | Typical effect | Trader action |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional rebalancing | Large blocks near end | Expect volatility; use limit orders |
| Index tracking | Concentrated buys or sells | Anticipate price swings on affected stocks |
| Day traders finishing positions | Increased volume and noise | Trim or hedge before final minutes |
Practical takeaway: If certainty matters, enter orders earlier in the session and use limit instructions. That reduces last-minute execution risk and unexpected price fills.
Note: activity does not end at the bell. Extended sessions continue but show different liquidity and behavior than the core session.
Related market hours in the U.S.: bonds, commodities, and crypto
Different asset classes follow their own open and close rhythms, so trading windows vary widely across products.
Bond trading
Bonds typically trade from 8:00 a.m. ET to 5:00 p.m. ET. Fixed-income desks use this window for price discovery, settlement, and large block trades.
Commodities and futures
Many futures run nearly 24 hours a day, six days a week. Sessions usually start on Sunday evening for U.S.-listed contracts, though each product has brief maintenance breaks.
Crypto
Crypto trades 24/7/365. That continuous flow can move sentiment while equities are offline and shape next-session price action.
- Compare clocks: do not assume trading stops at 4:00 p.m. ET for all assets.
- Hedge smart: know bond hours when hedging rates, and watch futures for overnight commodity signals.
- Monitor crypto: 24/7 liquidity can spark gaps that affect equities at open.
Practical tip: multi-asset investors should track multiple clocks and confirm session rules before placing cross-product trades.
Common timing mistakes to avoid when placing stock orders
Small clock errors often lead to execution surprises. Check session labels and your device clock before you send an order. A quick confirmation saves money and stress.
Mixing up a.m. vs. p.m. and time zones
Confusing a.m. with p.m. is the top error. When you translate from Eastern to local zones, a one-hour slip can push an order into a different session.
That shift may cause an order to miss its intended window or fill at far worse prices.
Assuming all platforms offer the same extended hours
Not every platform supports identical extended hours or order rules. Eligibility, allowed order types, and session lengths differ by firm.
Tip: verify your platform’s posted extended-hours windows and account permissions before relying on after- or pre-session execution.
Not accounting for lower liquidity outside regular trading hours
Lower liquidity means wider spreads and bigger jumps in price. Execution quality often worsens in pre-market and after sessions.
Use limit orders, reduce size, and expect partial fills when action moves away from core hours.
- Double-check the session label on your order ticket.
- Use limit orders when session risk is higher.
- Confirm platform windows and settlement notes before placing time-sensitive trades, especially near holidays or early closes.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett.
Conclusion
, A consistent late-afternoon ET finish gives traders a clear cutoff for daily execution and reporting. On regular weekdays, NYSE and Nasdaq run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, but verify holidays and early closes before placing orders.
Remember: regular trading hours differ from extended sessions. After-hours and pre-market trades use ECN-based systems and broker rules, so execution and liquidity can change outside the core window.
Confirm schedules using official exchange calendars and brokerage tools, convert ET correctly, and pick order types that match your risk. That simple routine protects securities execution quality, price certainty, and risk control near the open and close.
Keep a reliable hours reference and align your account settings with how you plan to trade. This ensures clear, actionable information for your next session.
FAQ
What is the regular U.S. exchange closing hour in Eastern Time?
On standard trading days, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq end their core session at 4:00 p.m. ET. This is the official close for most listed equities and is the reference point for end-of-day prices and settlement.
When does the U.S. trading day begin?
Regular trading opens with the bell at 9:30 a.m. ET. That core session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, excluding federal and exchange holidays.
How can I convert 4:00 p.m. ET to my local zone?
Use your device clock, a world clock, or an online time-converter and apply daylight saving rules. For example, 4:00 p.m. ET equals 1:00 p.m. PT during Eastern Daylight Time.
Do NYSE and Nasdaq close at the same time?
Yes. Both exchanges typically share the 4:00 p.m. ET close for regular trading, so listed stock prices use the same daily cut-off for official end-of-day prints.
What happens to prices and orders at the close?
The closing print records the final trade price and consolidated last quote. Brokers may route orders to closing auctions; liquidity often shifts as traders settle positions, which can cause price moves in the final minutes.
What are pre-market hours for Nasdaq and NYSE?
Nasdaq’s pre-market commonly runs from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET. The NYSE has early trading windows through certain platforms and brokers, but core pre-market access varies by venue and order type.
Can I trade after the 4:00 p.m. ET close?
Yes. Nasdaq hosts after-hours trading from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on many platforms. The NYSE supports limited late sessions depending on the venue. Extended trading happens through ECNs and alternative trading systems.
Which order types work outside regular hours?
Limit orders are common in extended sessions because they prevent unexpected fills. Market orders often won’t execute or may be rejected outside regular hours due to low liquidity and wider spreads.
How do brokers handle orders near or after the close?
Broker rules differ. Some route orders to closing auctions, others hold orders until the next regular session, and some allow extended-hours execution. Check your brokerage’s trading system and account settings.
When are U.S. exchanges closed for holidays?
U.S. markets observe federal holidays and select observances. On those days the exchanges fully close, or they may operate shortened sessions. Always check the exchange calendar before placing time-sensitive trades.
Which major holidays can affect the trading schedule?
Exchanges typically close for New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Observed dates may shift when holidays fall on weekends.
What does an early close mean for traders?
An early close shortens the core session—often ending at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. ET on scheduled partial days. Reduced hours can affect liquidity, order execution, and settlement timing, so plan orders accordingly.
How can I confirm today’s schedule in real time?
Check exchange calendars (NYSE, Nasdaq), your broker’s market schedule tools, or financial news sites. These sources signal normal sessions, early closes, and holiday schedules.
Why does the close matter for different investors?
Liquidity and volatility often increase near the close, affecting execution quality and pricing for day traders and portfolio managers. End-of-day valuations drive performance reporting and rebalancing decisions.
What is the “closing bell” and why is it notable?
The closing bell marks the end of the core session. It also signals closing auctions and often corresponds with a surge in volume as traders finalize positions and funds calculate net asset values.
Do other U.S. markets follow the same hours?
Bond markets typically operate roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Futures and commodities trade on extended schedules that can approach 24 hours via CME and ICE platforms. Cryptocurrencies trade 24/7 on exchanges like Coinbase and Binance.
What common timing mistakes should I avoid?
Don’t confuse a.m. vs. p.m. or forget daylight saving differences. Don’t assume all brokers offer the same extended hours or that liquidity matches regular sessions. Always verify session windows before placing orders.
