When Can You Buy Stocks May 2026

In the United States, major exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq operate on a standard schedule: : 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

Technological advancements have introduced "extended hours" trading through Electronic Communication Networks (ECNs), allowing investors to react to news that breaks outside of the standard 9:30–4:00 window. when can you buy stocks

: Usually begins immediately after the closing bell at 4:00 p.m. ET and can run until 8:00 p.m. ET. In the United States, major exchanges like the