As we approach the end of another year, many of us are starting to think about our plans for the holidays, and if you’re a trader or investor, part of that planning includes knowing when the stock markets will be open or closed. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a home day trader, understanding the stock market’s holiday schedule can help you avoid surprises. With New Year’s Day right around the corner, here’s everything you need to know about stock market hours for new year during the holiday season.
Closing of Stock Market Hours for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Every year, U.S. stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, along with other financial markets, adjust their schedules for the holidays. If you’re hoping to trade right up until the New Year, there are a few things to keep in mind for the last few days of December and the first few days of 2025.
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Stock Market Hours for New Year’s
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the most well-known stock exchanges in the world, and like other major exchanges, it adjusts its hours for the holiday season. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, the final trading day of 2024, the NYSE will close early at 4:00 p.m. EST. If you’ve been eyeing any trades, you’ll need to wrap them up before the market shuts down early.
Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, the NYSE will be completely closed in observance of New Year’s Day. This is a common holiday closure for most financial markets. Along with the NYSE, several related exchanges will also be closed:
- NYSE American Equities
- NYSE Arca Equities
- NYSE Chicago
- NYSE National
These exchanges will close at 8:00 p.m. EST on Dec. 31 and stay closed on Jan. 1, 2025.
Nasdaq Stock Market Hours for New Year’s
The Nasdaq will be open on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for regular trading hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. After-hours and pre-market trading will still be available, so you have some flexibility if you want to make trades outside of the regular session.
However, just like the NYSE, the Nasdaq will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. If you’re hoping to start the year with a trade, you’ll have to wait until after the holiday.
U.S. Bond Market Hours
The U.S. bond market, which plays a key role for those invested in fixed-income securities, will also close early on New Year’s Eve. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, the bond market will close at 2:00 p.m. EST and stay closed for the entirety of New Year’s Day on Jan. 1. This closure follows the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) holiday schedule.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading Hours
For those involved in over-the-counter (OTC) trading, which typically involves transactions outside of formal exchanges, be prepared for an early close. On Dec. 31, OTC markets will close at 2:00 p.m. EST and remain closed for New Year’s Day on Jan. 1. If you plan on making any OTC transactions, make sure to do so before the early market close.
International Stock Market Hours for New Year’s
The holiday schedule isn’t just limited to U.S. markets—many international exchanges also adjust their hours during the New Year period. While some markets close early on Dec. 31, others remain closed for the full day on Jan. 1.
London Stock Exchange (LSE) Stock Market Hours for New Year’s
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) will close early on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Trading will end at 12:30 p.m. London time (7:30 a.m. EST). On Wednesday, Jan. 1, the LSE will be closed all day for New Year’s Day, just like many other major international exchanges.
EuroNext Paris
The EuroNext Paris, which handles stock trading in France, will close early on Dec. 31, with different asset classes having different closure times:
- Equities, Single Stock Dividend Futures, and Index options close at 1:55 p.m. CET (7:55 a.m. EST).
- Index Futures and Commodity Derivatives close at 2:00 p.m. CET (8:00 a.m. EST).
- Single Stock Futures close at 2:05 p.m. CET (8:05 a.m. EST).
As with other exchanges, EuroNext Paris will be completely closed on Jan. 1.
Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) will have a shortened trading day on Dec. 31, operating from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hong Kong time (11:00 p.m. EST on Dec. 30). The exchange will remain closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE)
The Shanghai Stock Exchange will be closed all day on Jan. 1, but there is no indication of an early closure on Dec. 31.
Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE)
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) will be closed on both Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for the New Year holiday.
Honoring Former President Jimmy Carter
In addition to the usual holiday schedule, U.S. stock markets will be observing a moment of silence on Monday, Dec. 31, in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. Although markets were open on this day, the moment of silence marked the significance of his passing.
In recognition of his life and service, U.S. markets will also close on Thursday, Jan. 9, for a national day of mourning, as proclaimed by President Joe Biden. This is in line with tradition: U.S. stock markets traditionally close during the funerals of former presidents. For example, the markets were closed when President George H. W. Bush passed away in 2018, and similar closures were observed for Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Richard Nixon in past years.
Final Thoughts
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s important to plan ahead for market closures over the holidays. Whether you’re active in the stock market, trading bonds, or involved in over-the-counter transactions, knowing the schedule can help you avoid any surprises.
Remember that New Year’s Day—Wednesday, Jan. 1—is a market holiday in the U.S. and around the world, so be sure to adjust your trading strategies accordingly. The markets will open up again after the holiday, but for now, enjoy the downtime and be prepared for what’s ahead in 2025!
No matter what you’re trading, we hope you have a safe and prosperous New Year. Happy trading in 2025!
Further Readings: To know about 5 common financial mistakes to avoid here, read our blogs.
