What time does the stock market open and close? Explore stock market schedules and learn about the operating hours of the most important stock exchanges, how they overlap, and how that can help you develop your investment strategies.
Madrid Stock Exchange hours
In Spain, there is a system called the Spanish Stock Market Interconnection System (SIBE). It connects the four stock exchanges in the country: Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Valencia. This system facilitates the buying and selling of shares and other financial instruments online, in real-time, instantly. It also provides transparency and accessibility for both institutions and retail traders.
In the Spanish stock market, assets can be traded from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central European Time (CET), Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Opening and closing auctions
The Spanish stock market has a feature that is different from other stock markets: its opening and closing prices are determined by a procedure called an “auction,” that takes place at the opening and closing of each trading session. Between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., as well as between 5:30 p.m. and 5:35 p.m., orders can be entered, modified or canceled, but they cannot be executed. So, if you’re online looking at prices between 8:30 a.m. and 5:35 p.m., you may see slight differences in posted price.
Is there pre-market or after-hours trading on the Madrid Stock Exchange?
Unlike other international stock markets like the United States, pre-market and after-hours trading is not allowed on the Madrid Stock Exchange.
Trading on the Madrid Stock Exchange is restricted to its business hours: from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Central European Time, CET), Monday through Friday.
Trade nowNew York Stock Exchange schedule
As you can imagine, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world. Regular trading on the NYSE happens Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Stocks, bonds, and other financial assets can be traded outside regular hours. This is called pre-market and after-hours trading.
Pre-market and after-hours trading in U.S. markets
If you want to buy or sell stocks outside the usual NYSE hours, pre-market and after-hours trading allows you to do so. The pre-market session runs from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET. The after-hours session is from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Despite the lower liquidity and number of trades during these hours, you still have the opportunity to trade, which can be important when unexpected news impacts the market, or corporate events happen outside regular hours.
Nasdaq schedule
Nasdaq is a U.S. stock exchange that is famous as the leading electronics trading market. Although it covers a wide variety of sectors, most of the companies listed are in electronics. Nasdaq’s regular hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET — the same as those of the NYSE.
Likewise, Nasdaq offers the same pre-market and after-hours trading schedule as NYSE.
What time does the New York Stock Exchange open and close in Spanish time?
The NYSE is one of the most prominent stock exchanges in the world, and its regular trading hours are where key financial operations that shape the global market take place. If you are a Spanish investor, or reside in Spain and follow international financial markets, it’s important to know the NYSE’s operating hours in Spanish time so you can plan your trades and have a clear strategy.
One important consideration is the time difference due to daylight saving changes in both the U.S. and Spain, which can cause some confusion.
Time by season
Standard Time
This is the winter schedule, running from late October to late March, known as CET (Central European Time). During the winter, the NYSE opens at 3:30 p.m. CET and closes at 10:00 p.m. CET.
Summer Time
In summer, from late March to late October, the schedule is known as CEST (Central European Summer Time). During the summer, the NYSE opens at 2:30 p.m. CEST and closes at 9:00 p.m. CEST.
Opening and closing times of the world’s major stock exchanges
As you can imagine, knowing the opening and closing times of the major stock exchanges around the world is a powerful tool for any investor. By knowing these times, you can plan your trades and be aware of the time limitations when buying and selling shares. Additionally, you can be prepared when influential events that might impact the market are approaching, and stay informed about the most relevant movements in the global financial landscape.
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (Nasdaq)
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time, ET)
The NYSE and Nasdaq are located in the United States. They act as the nerve centers of the global stock market. They list major tech companies and corporations from various industries that serve as a reference for investors worldwide.
London Stock Exchange (LSE)
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (UK time, GMT)
The LSE is one of the oldest markets. It lists companies from Europe, the UK, and other parts of the world. Since its hours are similar to European ones, it has a considerable impact on global trading.
Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (local time in Japan, JST), with a break for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Asia relies on the TSE as one of its most influential stock exchanges. Japanese and other Asian companies are listed here. It holds significant influence in international markets due to the size and importance of these companies in global trading.
Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE)
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (local time in China, CST), with a break from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
China’s economy plays a major role in the market. The SSE is one of the largest emerging markets, and its influence is growing.
Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (local time in Hong Kong, HKT), with a pause from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hong Kong is an international financial hub. It lists major tech and financial companies, and its proximity to China, a major player in the stock market, adds to its importance.
Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (local time in Germany, CET/CEST).
Frankfurt is considered Germany’s financial center, and its stock exchange is the primary market in continental Europe. The listings on this exchange have a significant impact on companies within the European Union.
Sydney Stock Exchange (ASX)
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (local time in Australia, AEST).
The ASX is the most crucial financial market in Oceania. Companies in the mining, financial, and tech sectors from the region stand out in this exchange.
Futures markets: when do they open and close?
Each futures market has specific hours for its contracts, depending on the location and the type of asset being traded.
CME Group
The CME Group in Chicago is considered one of the largest futures markets in the world. It includes a wide range of financial assets and commodities, such as stock index futures (S&P 500), oil futures, and currency futures. The CME Group allows trading through its Globex platform.
Opening: Sunday at 6:00 p.m. (ET).
Closing: Friday at 5:00 p.m. (ET).
Eurex (Europe)
Eurex is one of the most influential futures exchanges in Europe, known for its futures contracts tied to European indices such as the DAX and the Euro Stoxx 50.
Opening: 1:10 a.m. (CET/CEST).
Closing: 10:00 p.m. (CET/CEST).
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)
The ICE is a global alternative market where key commodity futures, such as Brent Crude, natural gas, and agricultural products are traded.
Opening: Sunday at 8:00 p.m. (ET).
Closing: Friday at 6:00 p.m. (ET).
Daily recess: Approximately one hour between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (ET).
The ICE operates in multiple time zones and offers access to a wide range of products, including energy, agriculture, and financial futures.
Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE)
The SHFE is an important market in China for futures on metals, energy products, and other commodities.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST).
Night sessions: 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (CST) for some contracts.
Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM)
TOCOM is one of Asia’s leading exchanges for trading futures on precious metals, oil, and agricultural products.
Opening: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (JST), with a lunch break.
Afternoon hours: 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (JST) the next day.
Australia Futures Market (ASX 24)
ASX 24, part of the Australian market, offers futures on stock indices, currencies, and energy products.
Opening: Monday to Friday, 9:50 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (AEST), with an extended night session from 5:10 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (AEST).
Why are futures markets available almost 24 hours a day?
Asset prices respond to global events and news that don’t necessarily occur during standard stock exchange hours. Futures are contracts that reflect the prices of assets like oil, precious metals, and currencies. Futures’ markets allow you to react to these global developments in real time, giving you greater flexibility in risk management and helping you explore new investment opportunities.
What are the forex market opening and closing times?
The forex market is where global currencies are traded, and it operates almost 24 hours a day, from Sunday night to Friday night. There are four forex trading sessions, based in the world’s financial capitals: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York.
Sydney Session
Opening: Sunday at 10:00 p.m. GMT
Closing: Monday at 7:00 a.m. GMT
This session starts the trading week in forex, as it is the first to open.
Tokyo Session
Opening: 12:00 a.m. GMT
Closing: 9:00 a.m. GMT
During this session, Asian currencies like JPY, AUD, and CNY are traded, which, when paired with other currencies, tend to fluctuate more intensely.
London Session
Opening: 8:00 a.m. GMT
Closing: 5:00 p.m. GMT
This session is the most dynamic in terms of the number of forex trades. During this time, currency pairs including EUR, GBP, and CHF experience increased volatility.
New York Session
Opening: 1:00 p.m. GMT
Closing: 10:00 p.m. GMT
This session is very active for pairs that include the USD. It overlaps with the London session, and during this overlap, we see periods of high volatility and increased trading volumes.
Session Overlaps
London and New York overlap: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. GMT
This is when the European and U.S. markets are open at the same time. During this overlap, there is a high trading volume, and significant price movements occur.
Tokyo and London overlap: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. GMT
This overlap is shorter but still shows more movement in pairs involving the Japanese yen and the euro.
Tips for finding a good forex broker
A broker that helps you succeed in the forex market should:
Be regulated by authorized entities.
Offer competitive spreads and commissions.
Provide access to a functional trading platform (like MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5).
Offer leverage and margin options.
Provide fast execution speed.
Have efficient customer support.
- Offer fast deposit and withdrawal methods when you need them.
