As of October 2, 2024, the question of whether the stock market is open today is straightforward for those familiar with the regular trading hours of major U.S. stock exchanges.
Regular Trading Hours
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq Stock Exchange operate from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on weekdays, Monday through Friday. These hours are consistent, excluding weekends and specific holidays.
Holidays and Closures
The stock market observes several holidays throughout the year, during which trading is halted. For 2024, these holidays include New Years Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15), Washingtons Birthday (February 19), Good Friday (March 29), Memorial Day (May 27), Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (September 2), Thanksgiving Day (November 28), and Christmas Day (December 25).
Additionally, the stock market closes early on certain days. For instance, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the market will close at 1:00 p.m. ET due to the Independence Day holiday, and similarly on Friday, November 29, 2024 (the day after Thanksgiving), and Tuesday, December 24, 2024 (Christmas Eve).
Extended Trading Hours
While the regular trading hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, investors can also engage in pre-market and after-hours trading. Pre-market trading typically occurs from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET, and after-hours trading takes place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. These extended hours allow investors to react to overnight news and events, though they come with increased risks due to lower liquidity and higher volatility.
Impact of Market Closures
When the stock market is closed, liquidity decreases significantly, making it harder to convert stocks to cash. This reduced liquidity can lead to increased price volatility and wider bid-ask spreads, making it more challenging for investors to sell stocks at a profit.
