With the holiday season fast approaching, many investors are curious about the U.S. stock market's schedule during Christmas 2024. The market will operate with adjusted hours to accommodate the festive celebrations, leading to early closures.
On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ will close early, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), thereby giving traders a brief window to finalize their positions. So, if you've been pondering, "What time does the stock market open on Christmas Eve?" it will stick to its regular schedule, starting at 9:30 AM ET.
Following this early closure, stock markets will remain shut on Christmas Day, December 25, as is customary for the federal holiday. Investors should also be aware of the bond markets, which are following suit with this early closure schedule, too, wrapping up their trading at 2:00 PM ET on Christmas Eve. According to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, these markets will also remain closed on Christmas Day.
After the holidays, both stock and bond markets will reopen on Thursday, December 26, 2024, resuming business as usual. The holiday trading schedule signifies how the markets accommodate celebrations, making it easier for investors to plan their trades around these important dates.
For those monitoring year-end performance, it’s key to note the lighter trading volumes on Christmas Eve may lead to unique market conditions. Whether you're planning specific trades or simply keeping tabs on your portfolio, knowledge of the stock market's hours is fundamental.
Looking beyond Christmas, investors should also mark their calendars for the next scheduled closures: the markets will remain shut on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025. Not only will there be the New Year’s Day closure, but the bond markets are also set to close early on New Year's Eve, wrapping up their operations at 2:00 PM ET on December 31, with the NYSE and NASDAQ closing at their usual times.
By keeping informed about the holiday trading hours, investors can navigate their investment strategies effectively during what can often be hectic holiday periods. This approach allows for seamless transitions through the holiday and at the dawn of the new year.
