U.S. stock markets are adjusting their hours for the upcoming holiday season, with key exchanges set for early closures on Christmas Eve. This year's trading session will see the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq closing at 1 p.m. EST on December 24, commonly referred to as Christmas Eve.
According to reports, both major stock exchanges will remain shuttered for Christmas Day on December 25, before reopening on Thursday, December 26. Investors should be aware of this brief pause to typical trading schedules during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
"The New York Stock Exchange will close at 1 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and will remain closed on Christmas Day Wednesday," industry sources confirmed. Notably, the bond markets will also see reduced hours, closing at 2 p.m. EST on Christmas Eve and remaining closed for the holiday.
Other trading avenues will follow suit. Over-the-counter trading is scheduled to cease operations at 2 p.m. EST on December 24 and will not reopen until December 26. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association has reiterated these closures, advising traders to finalize any last-minute transactions before the holiday break.
International markets will have similar adjustments. Many foreign exchanges will close early on Christmas Eve and remain inactive on Christmas Day. For example, the London Stock Exchange will begin shutting down at 12:30 p.m. GMT, and other major European markets will follow suit with respective early closures.
This year's holiday trading hours reflect the typical adjustments made during the festive season, allowing investors and traders to plan their strategies accordingly. Given the market's response to various economic reports this month, including shifts due to inflation concerns and Federal Reserve activity, the timing of the early closures aligns with seasonal trading patterns.
Overall, as the stock markets prepare for the Christmas holiday, investors should brace for a short trading day this Tuesday, December 24, and plan for market resumption on December 26. Make sure to adjust any trading schedules as markets will only be available for limited hours during this festive period.
According to The Associated Press, many Americans are gearing up for holiday travel, with the American Automobile Association estimating over 119 million individuals will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 1 and January 1. This seasonal rush is likely to influence not just travel but stock trading as well.
The fluctuations seen across markets make it ever more pertinent for investors to stay informed of the stock market's operating schedule, especially during holidays when trading volumes can shift dramatically. With economic reports expected to pour out just before the holiday break, all eyes remain on how these developments will shape the market's performance through 2024.
So, keep your calendars marked for the early closure on Christmas Eve and enjoy the festive period, and if you're still hoping to make some trades, be sure to get them done by the specified times!