Understanding Stock Market Closures: A Guide for Investors

Trading in the stock market is not a 365-day endeavor but rather follows a specific schedule subject to several holidays and closure dates. Understanding these closure dates is crucial for investors to plan their trades effectively. In this article, we will explain the closure dates for major stock markets, including the US and India. We'll cover the common holidays, the specific closure times, and helpful tips to ensure you're always prepared.

US Stock Market Closures and Trading Holidays

The primary stock exchanges in the United States, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, have specific holidays where the markets are closed. These closures typically include major national holidays, as well as some local observances, and are designed to provide employees with a day off and to coincide with other public observances.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1 and markets are closed for this day. For example, in 2023, markets would be closed on Monday, January 2, to make up for the day lost.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January. The market is closed on this day. In 2023 and 2024, it falls on Monday, January 16 and Monday, January 15, respectively.

Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day

Washington's Birthday is also known as Presidents' Day and is observed on the third Monday in February. The markets are closed on this day. In 2023 and 2024, it will be on Monday, February 20 and Monday, February 19, respectively.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a religious holiday that varies each year. The markets are usually closed on this day. In 2023 and 2024, it will be on Friday, April 7 and Friday, March 29, respectively.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May, and the markets are closed on that day. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, it falls on Monday, May 30, Monday, May 29, and Monday, May 27, respectively.

Juneteenth National Independence Day

Juneteenth is a day observed to celebrate the abolition of slavery. It is celebrated on June 19, and the market is closed on this day. In 2023 and 2024, it falls on Monday, June 19, and Wednesday, June 19, respectively.

Independence Day

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is celebrated on July 4, and the markets are closed on this day. In 2023 and 2024, it will fall on Tuesday, July 4, and Thursday, July 4, respectively. Additionally, the market usually closes earlier at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on July 3, 2023, and July 3, 2024.

Labor Day

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September, and the markets are closed on this day. In 2023 and 2024, it will be on Monday, September 4, and Monday, September 2, respectively.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, and the markets are closed on this day. In 2023 and 2024, it falls on Thursday, November 23, and Thursday, November 28, respectively.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, is a day when the markets are closed. For instance, in 2023 and 2024, it will be on Tuesday, December 26, and Wednesday, December 25, respectively.

Indian Stock Market Closures and Trading Holidays

India has its own set of holidays when the stock market is closed. The market averages typically open only on a 4-day weekend, with Saturday and Sunday being non-trading days. Here are the major holidays in India:

Republic Day

Republic Day is a national holiday celebrated on January 26 and the market is closed for this day.

Mahashivratri

This Hindu festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the waxing moon in February and the market is closed.

Holi

Holi, known as the festival of colors, is celebrated in March and the market is closed.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that varies each year and the market is closed.

Amedkar Jayanti

Amedkar Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, is celebrated in April and the market is closed.

Ram Navami

Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, is celebrated in March or April and the market is closed.

Id-Ul-Fitr

Id-Ul-Fitr is the festival of breaking the fast and the market is closed. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

Id and Ramzan Id

These Islamic festivals are celebrated on the 27th or 28th day of the holy month of Ramzan, and the market is closed.

Independence Day

Independence Day, also known as the 15th of August, is a national holiday and the market is closed for this day.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh, is celebrated in August or September and the market is closed.

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is celebrated on October 2 and the market is closed.

Dussehra

Dussehra, the victory of good over evil, is celebrated in September or October and the market is closed.

Diwali Laxmi Pooja

Diwali Laxmi Pooja, the festival of lights and the worship of the goddess of wealth, is celebrated in October or November and the market is closed.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, is celebrated in November and the market is closed.

Christmas

Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, is a day when the markets are closed.

Finding the Exact Calendar

It's important to note that the specific closure dates for each year can sometimes change. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the official calendar for the respective exchanges or sources such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and other related market regulatory bodies.

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