Introduction to Mainland China Stock Investment: Trading Hours, Fees, Regulations, and Mainland China Stock Market Holidays

Understanding the Mainland China Stock Market

The A-share market was established in 1990 and refers to the stock trading markets registered and listed within Mainland China. After more than thirty years of development, it now has over three thousand listed companies. The A-share market is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and mainly consists of three major exchanges:

Basic Information about the A-Share Market

Overview of the Three Major Exchanges

Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE)

Founded in November 1990 with approval from the central bank. As one of the top five exchanges globally by market capitalization, the SSE formulates trading rules, manages market information, provides trading venues, and supervises listed companies. The SSE has an A-share market (priced in RMB) and a B-share market (priced in USD or HKD), with the A-share market mainly targeting domestic investors. The SSE Composite Index is its primary index.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE)

Established in December 1990, it is an important stock exchange in China, ranked tenth globally by market value. The SZSE is regulated by the CSRC and offers trading services for stocks, bonds, funds, options, and other financial products. Since 2004, the SZSE has become a financing platform for innovative Chinese companies, with the ChiNext and SME Board providing financing venues for small and medium-sized enterprises. Major indices include the Shenzhen Composite Index, SZSE Component Index, and SZSE 100 Index.

Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE)

Founded in September 2021, it is the first company-based exchange approved by the State Council. The BSE focuses on trading shares of small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide, mainly targeting innovative SMEs, and is regulated by the CSRC.

Mainland China Stock Trading Hours and Rules

Trading hours for mainland stocks are Monday through Friday, with markets closed on weekends and statutory holidays. Below are detailed trading times and rules:

Trading Hours and Rules Comparison Table

Note: Transaction fees for overseas investors trading mainland stocks vary by broker; please consult your local broker for details.

Mainland China Stock Market Holidays

Investors should remember the following holidays when the mainland stock market is closed, to plan their investments accordingly:

During market holidays, investors should avoid placing orders and can use this time to monitor international market trends and domestic policy changes.

Key Points for Investing in Mainland China Stocks

Successful investment in mainland stocks requires monitoring and analyzing multiple factors.

Macroeconomic Environment

International situations, Federal Reserve monetary policies, geopolitical conflicts, and other factors can cause volatility in mainland stocks. Investors should stay informed about global economic trends.

Domestic Economic Policies

When the national economy is improving, corporate investment willingness increases, and companies across industries receive more funding support for development. Industries favored by policies are more likely to present structural opportunities. Conversely, industries facing unfavorable policies should be avoided.

Fundamentals of Listed Companies

Choosing high-quality listed companies is key to long-term investment. Investors should thoroughly understand the company’s management capabilities, financial health, industry competitiveness, and profit potential. Selecting companies with good growth prospects and strong profitability can better mitigate risks.

Channels for Investing in Mainland China Stocks from Taiwan

Taiwanese investors mainly have two ways to access the mainland stock market:

Custodian Agency Channels

Trading through local Taiwanese brokers via custodial agency, where Taiwanese securities firms act as agents to purchase mainland stocks. The main advantages are familiarity with procedures and regulatory compliance.

Overseas Brokerage Channels

Opening accounts with US or Hong Kong stock brokers to trade. These brokers often offer more international products and competitive rates.

Choosing the appropriate method depends on individual needs, fee structures, available trading products, and platform experience. Fees vary significantly among brokers, so investors should compare options carefully to select the platform that best suits their trading habits.

Summary

The mainland China stock market has become an important global trading venue. Understanding trading hours, fee systems, market holidays, and institutional frameworks is fundamental to entering the market. Additionally, investors should establish a systematic analysis framework, paying attention to macroeconomic trends, policy directions, and company fundamentals to achieve better returns in mainland stock investments.