As we approach the New Year, many investors and traders are curious about the U.S. stock market hours during the holiday period, specifically for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
The stock market operates on a regular schedule most of the year, but during the holidays, the schedule often changes. Knowing the trading hours and any potential early closures can help you manage your investments and avoid any surprises.
Here’s everything you need to know about the stock market hours for New Year’s and what you should expect during this holiday season.
U.S. Stock Market Regular Hours
Before we get into the holiday schedule, let’s quickly review the regular trading hours for the major U.S. stock exchanges:
- New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ typically operate from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday.
- Pre-market trading usually runs from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM ET, while after-hours trading runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET.
These regular hours apply during most business days but can be affected by holidays, special events, or unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather or technical issues.
Stock Market Hours for New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024)
New Year’s Eve is not a federal holiday, but it is widely observed as a holiday in many industries. On December 31, 2024, the U.S. stock markets will have shortened trading hours.
- The NYSE and NASDAQ will open at 9:30 AM ET but will close early at 1:00 PM ET.
- After-hours trading will still be available from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET. However, the bulk of trading will be completed by 1:00 PM ET.
If you plan to make any trades or monitor your investments, be sure to complete any transactions or research before the early closure. The stock market may also experience less liquidity and volatility in the afternoon, as many traders and institutional investors take the day off.
Stock Market Hours for New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, and as such, both the NYSE and NASDAQ will be closed on January 1, 2025. No trading will take place, and all stock exchanges will be inactive for the entire day.
This means that no stock trades will be processed on January 1, so be sure to plan your trading strategies and portfolio adjustments accordingly. If you need to make any transactions or adjustments, make sure to do so either before New Year’s Eve or after January 2, when normal trading hours resume.
Key Considerations for Stock Market Hours During the Holidays
While knowing the specific stock market holiday hours is essential, there are a few other factors to keep in mind when navigating the holiday season:
- Lower Trading Volume: During holiday periods, the stock market often experiences lower trading volume. With many institutional traders and investors taking time off, the market can be less liquid, potentially leading to more volatile price swings. It’s important to be mindful of this when placing trades or making decisions based on market movements.
- Potential for Increased Volatility: As mentioned, lower volume can result in increased market volatility, particularly if unexpected news or events occur. It’s advisable to exercise caution, especially if you’re thinking about making large trades or significant portfolio changes.
- Pre-market and After-hours Trading: While the main market is closed for the holidays, pre-market and after-hours trading can still occur, albeit with lower volume. These sessions allow investors to react to news or other market events outside regular trading hours. However, keep in mind that liquidity is often limited during these times, which can result in wider bid-ask spreads.
- Important Economic Data Releases: Be aware of any economic data or earnings reports that could be released during the holidays. While there is typically less economic data released during this period, important announcements could affect market performance once trading resumes.
Summary of U.S. Stock Market Hours for New Year’s 2025
Here’s a quick recap of the stock market hours for the New Year:
- New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024):
- Open: 9:30 AM ET
- Close: 1:00 PM ET (early closure)
- After-hours trading: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
- New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025):
- Closed: No trading on January 1st
- Resume trading: January 2, 2025, with regular hours (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET)
Final Thoughts
With the 2025 New Year’s holidays around the corner, it’s essential to be aware of the stock market hours to avoid any confusion and plan your investment strategy accordingly. While the markets will close early on New Year’s Eve, you have until 1:00 PM ET to complete your trades. On New Year’s Day, the markets will be completely closed for the holiday, so there won’t be any trading activity.
Be sure to stay on top of the holiday schedule, and remember that the stock market may be less active during this time. For any trades or important financial decisions, make sure to act ahead of the market holidays, and always consider the market volatility that may accompany lower trading volumes.
Happy New Year, and best of luck with your investments in 2025!