As the holiday season approaches, the Indian stock markets, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, in observance of Christmas. This closure marks the last trading holiday of the year for the stock exchanges. Trading will resume on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
Global Market Closure
In addition to Indian markets, major global stock exchanges in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and across Europe will also remain closed for Christmas. This synchronized closure reflects the widespread observance of the holiday, allowing traders and investors to take a break and celebrate with their families.
Both BSE and NSE will suspend trading across all segments on December 25. This includes equities, derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB). Furthermore, commodity markets such as the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will also be shut for both morning and evening sessions.
Importance of Planning Around Holidays
For investors and traders, it is crucial to plan their trading activities around these holidays. The closure not only affects local investors but also international traders who may need to adjust their strategies based on market availability. As many investors take time off during this festive period, trading volumes may be lower upon resumption, influencing market dynamics.
Upcoming Stock Market Holidays in 2025
The stock market holiday schedule for 2025 has been officially released and includes several important national and religious holidays. Here’s a detailed list of key dates when the markets will be closed:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| February 26 | Wednesday | Mahashivratri |
| March 14 | Friday | Holi |
| March 31 | Monday | Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid) |
| April 10 | Thursday | Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 14 | Monday | Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Maharashtra Day |
| August 15 | Friday | Independence Day |
| August 27 | Wednesday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| October 2 | Thursday | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra |
| October 21 | Tuesday | Diwali Laxmi Pujan (Muhurat Trading) |
| October 22 | Wednesday | Diwali Balipratipada |
| November 5 | Wednesday | Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas |
The first stock market holiday of the year will be on February 26, 2025, for Mahashivratri celebrations. March will see closures on March 14 for Holi and March 31 for Id-Ul-Fitr. In April, there are three holidays: April 10 for Shri Mahavir Jayanti, April 14 for Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti, and April 18 for Good Friday.
Regular Trading Hours
On regular weekdays, the Indian stock market operates from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, with a pre-opening session from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM to set the tone for the trading day. The market is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Conclusion
As investors prepare for the upcoming holiday season, it is essential to note these closures in advance to plan their trading activities accordingly. The Christmas holiday provides an opportunity for traders to recharge before returning to the markets in late December.
Disclaimer: The holiday schedule is subject to change based on regulatory announcements.
