A Complete Guide to NSE and BSE Stock Market Holidays 2024

Plan your investment strategies and financial endeavours effectively by staying up-to-date with the stock market holidays in 2024. The National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) have released a comprehensive list of holidays for the year. In this article, we will provide you with the complete holiday schedule, market timings, settlement holidays, and valuable suggestions on how to make the most of your time when the markets are closed.

Stock Market Holidays of NSE and BSE:

The NSE and BSE will be closed for a total of 14 days in 2024. The maximum number of holidays (three) will be observed in the month of March. Notably, there will be no stock market holidays in February and September. Here are the key holidays:

Please note that on November 1, 2024, despite being a holiday for Diwali, the market will open for Muhurat Trading. The specific timing for Muhurat Trading will be announced later. A new holiday related to Ram Mandir Inauguration has been added for 22nd January 2023 as per the latest circulars. The declaration of stock market holiday came after the Maharashtra government declared a holiday for the same. 

Stock Market Timings:

The market timings of the stock exchanges in India are typically from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. However, there are different sessions within these timings. Here's a breakdown:

1. Pre-Market Session: This session is from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM, divided into three periods:

   • From 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM: Orders can be placed, modified, or cancelled.
   • From 9:08 AM to 9:12 AM: Price determination of securities takes place, and orders cannot be modified.
   • From 9:12 AM to 9:15 AM: Buffer time, no additional orders can be placed.
      

2. Normal Market Session: This is the primary trading session from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, without any breaks.

3. Post Market Session: This session is from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, comprising two periods:

   • From 3:30 PM to 3:40 PM: Closing prices for benchmark indices are determined.
   • From 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM: Investors can place bids for the next trading day.

Stock Market Holidays of MCX:

MCX, the prominent commodity exchange in India, will observe an additional holiday apart from the NSE and BSE holidays. The MCX will be closed on January 1, 2024.

Settlement Holidays:

During the stock market holidays, the settlement of trades will not take place. Here are the key settlement holidays for equity and F&O segments:

Special Trading Session:

Furthermore, stock exchanges will conduct a special live trading day on March 2, 2024, to test their backup systems, known as the Disaster Recovery (DR) site. The session will be held from 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM for the Equity and Derivatives market, while the live trading from the Disaster Recovery Site will take place from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

During the special live trading session, all future contracts can fluctuate within a 5% operating range. Further, securities in the Future and Options (F&O) segment will have a price band of 5%, for both upper and lower limits.

On 18 May 2024, the BSE will hold a special trading session involving a switch from its primary site (PR) to its Disaster Recovery site (DR). The session will feature equity and equity derivatives trading, with specific timings outlined for each segment. Price bands for all securities will be set at a maximum of 5%.

This exercise is to test the exchange's disaster recovery preparedness as per SEBI guidelines. Regular trading parameters will resume the next trading day.

For more information, you can visit the official notice here.

Utilizing Market Closure Time:

When the stock market is closed, it provides an excellent opportunity for investors to focus on research, education, portfolio management, and financial planning. Here are some valuable recommendations:

1. Research and Analysis: Utilize the time to analyze stocks, sectors, and investment opportunities. You can use our Platform, Ticker by Finology and get essential information for conducting fundamental analysis and help in identifying potential stocks for your portfolio.

2. Educational Endeavors: Enhance your financial knowledge by reading books, articles, participating in online courses, or attending webinars. Explore new investment strategies and gain insights into various financial instruments.

3. Portfolio Review: Evaluate your existing investment portfolio during market closures. Consider rebalancing your portfolio based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

4. Financial Planning: Engage in financial planning activities such as goal setting, budgeting, and reviewing your overall financial strategy. Explore investment options that align with your long-term objectives.

By effectively utilizing the market closure time, you can gather vital insights and make informed decisions for your investment ventures.

When it comes to stock market holidays and market timings, staying informed and planning ahead is crucial. Mark these holidays on your calendar, manage your investment activities accordingly, and make the most of the opportunities presented by the market closures. Stay informed, stay prepared, and navigate the stock market with confidence in 2024.

Note: The information provided in this article is subject to change. Please refer to the latest circulars and announcements of the stock exchanges for any updates or changes in the holiday schedule and market timings.