Comprehensive Guide to 2024 US Stock Market Holidays and Trading Hours

As one of the most important financial markets globally, the U.S. stock market attracts the attention of countless investors every day. Even if you do not invest in U.S. stocks, as a Canadian equity investor, you should still monitor developments in the U.S. market. However, just as employees have holidays, even the most active U.S. stock market has days when it is closed, requiring time for rest and adjustment to ensure operational stability.

So, what is a stock market closure? When does the U.S. stock market close? What are the trading hours for the U.S. stock market? What are the corresponding opening times for the Canadian market during U.S. daylight saving time and standard time? This article provides a detailed overview.

What is a stock market closure?

A stock market closure, commonly referred to as "market suspension," refers to the cessation of trading within a single trading day. This situation typically arises under special circumstances, such as public holidays, major news announcements, system failures, natural disasters, or government-declared emergencies.

When the stock market is closed, trading activities are suspended, and the prices of all stocks, bonds, and financial instruments cease to fluctuate. This measure is designed to ensure market stability and prevent extreme volatility. Typically, following a market closure, the stock market will resume operations on the next regular trading day.

Announcements regarding stock market closures are usually made in advance to allow investors to prepare. This also provides relevant authorities with the opportunity to address potential risks and uncertainties. Investors should closely monitor market news and notifications from relevant institutions to ensure they have an accurate understanding of market closures, thereby avoiding unnecessary concern or risk.

Major Holidays for U.S. Stock Market Closures

The major holidays during which the U.S. stock market is closed include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day (Washington's Birthday), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

It is worth noting that starting in 2022, the Biden administration added "Juneteenth National Independence Day" as a federal holiday.

2024 U.S. Stock Market Closure Dates

U.S. Stock Market Trading Hours

The U.S. stock market operates from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, based on Eastern Time (GMT-5). However, as the United States observes Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time, the corresponding times in Canada are as follows:

• Daylight Saving Time trading hours (mid-March to mid-November): Canadian Time: 9:30–16:00

• Standard Time trading hours (mid-November to mid-March): Canadian Time: 10:30–17:00

In addition to regular trading hours, there are two extended sessions: pre-market and after-hours. News released outside of regular trading hours, such as earnings announcements or breaking news, is reflected in stock prices during these pre-market and after-hours sessions.

• U.S. pre-market trading session: 4:00–9:30 ET; Canadian Time: 4:00–9:30

• U.S. after-hours trading session: 16:00–20:00 ET; Canadian Time: 14:00–20:00

Nasdaq has designated pre-market and after-hours trading sessions. Different brokers have varying requirements for these extended hours. The trading platform of moomoo Securities (Canada) stipulates the following:

• U.S. Pre-Market Trading Session: 04:00 - 9:30 (ET)

• U.S. Stock After-Hours Trading Session: 16:00 - 20:00 (ET)

• U.S. Stock After-Hours Trading Session on Half-Day Markets: 13:00 - 17:00 (ET)

How to Trade U.S. Stocks on moomoo Canada?

I. Open an Account

moomoo Securities (Canada) currently supports four types of accounts. You may choose any of the following account types to open an account:

● Individual Margin Account

● Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

● Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

● Individual Cash Account

Steps to open an account:

1. Go to the moomoo App orofficial website, select the desired account type to open an account,

2. follow the on-screen instructions to fill in your information and submit the account opening application.

3. After submitting the application, if your information is correct, the account will typically be opened within two business days. During the account opening process, if additional documents are required to verify your identity, we will send a notification to your registered email address. Please monitor your inbox.

4. Upon successful account opening, you will receive an email containing your trading account information at your registered email address. Please keep this information secure.

5. After receiving the email, please log in to theclient platform promptlyChange Initial Password

II. How to Place US Stock Orders?

So, how do you place basic buy or sell orders for US stocks on moomoo? There are two ways to place orders for US stocks:

1. App > "Account" > "Quick Trade": Enter order details > Select Buy or Sell > Click Unlock Trading > Enter trading password to complete the order.

2. Individual Stock Details Page: Click "Trade" > Enter order details > Select Buy or Sell > Click Unlock Trading > Enter trading password to complete the order.