In 2026, the way to play stocks in the US has become easier than ever for Vietnamese investors. I just discovered some interesting things about the US stock market that I want to share with you.

Actually, Wall Street is not just a street but also the financial heart of the entire world. Over a century ago, it became the focal point for traders, banks, and the largest investment funds on the planet. Nowadays, exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ still lead in daily trading volume — this number reaches tens of trillions of USD each year.

But why choose to play stocks in the US? Because of transparency, enormous scale, and long-term profit opportunities. Leading tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google are all listed here. If you want to participate, there are many ways to do so.

The first way is trading CFDs (contracts for difference). This method allows you to invest with a small capital but use leverage. For example, instead of spending 1,000 USD to buy a lot, you only need 50 USD with a 1:20 leverage ratio. Profits can be high, but so can risks — so careful risk management is essential.

The second way is buying IPO stocks — newly listed companies. They have the potential for rapid price increases but also carry certain risks because their value is not yet stable.

If you want to be safer, you can invest in stock indices like S&P 500, Dow Jones, or Nasdaq 100. These indices represent groups of large companies, so they are less volatile. In the long run, they tend to increase in value.

You might also have heard of ETFs (exchange-traded funds). This is an indirect way to own many stocks at once without selecting each one yourself. Professional managers handle the portfolio for you, so you just need to follow along.

Another option is stock futures contracts or index futures. They are similar to CFDs but operate differently. They also allow leverage and profit from price increases or decreases.

Regarding trading hours, NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX are open from 20:30 to 3:00 AM Vietnam time (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET). Outside these hours, there are pre-market and after-hours sessions, but with lower liquidity and wider spreads.

As I mentioned, the way to play stocks in the US today is quite flexible. You can start with a small capital, use trading apps on your phone, and participate from anywhere. However, the most important thing is to understand the market well, know how to manage risks, and have a clear strategy before starting.

The US stock market is not a shortcut to wealth, but it is a real opportunity for those willing to learn and be patient. Begin by studying thoroughly, choosing a reputable platform, and gradually building your own experience.