How Many Trading Days in a Year? - Trading Computers (2024)

The stock market holidays for 2025 are as follows:

• New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20, 2025
• Washington’s Birthday: Monday, February 17, 2025
• Good Friday: Friday, April 29, 2025
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 26, 2025
• Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19, 2025
• Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025
• Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
• Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025

Investors need to take note of these stock market holidays to plan their trading activities accordingly. This information can also be valuable for individuals and businesses who rely on stock market operations for various financial transactions and investment activities.

Stock market trading days can be both exciting and overwhelming for beginners. Understanding the day trading basics and factors that influence stock trading can help individuals make informed decisions and confidently navigate the market.

Let’s look at the details of a day trader’s calendar, including the times the market is open, as well as the best times and days to trade:

Stock market trading hours typically vary depending on the specific market. For the regular stock market, the core trading hours for most major stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Extended stock market trading hours vary but often take place before the regular trading session from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. and after the regular trading hours from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time. This extended trading window allows for pre-market and after-hours trading.

For other markets, the forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, opening on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time and closing on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The bond market’s trading hours typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

A half-day in the stock market refers to a day when the trading session concludes early, usually around 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, but this can vary depending on the exchange.

Stock market half-days are days when the market closes at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

• The 2024 stock market half-days are:

  The day before Independence Day: Wednesday, July 3, 2024

• The day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 29, 2024
• Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24, 2024

The 2025 stock market half-days are:

• The day before Independence Day: Thursday, July 3, 2025
• The day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 28, 2025
• Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Traders need to be aware of half-days as it can have implications on their trades. For example, if a trader enters a position on a half-day, they may have less time to react to any market movements before the session closes. Additionally, lower trading volumes on half-days can lead to increased volatility in the market.

In the US, the average number of trading days per year is around 252, which is higher than in other markets due to the absence of additional holidays. This higher number of trading days allows for more opportunities for investors and traders to participate in the market.

In contrast, other markets may have fewer trading days per year due to the inclusion of more holidays. Additionally, in the US, holidays such as Christmas and Independence Day always fall on the same day of the week, which can impact trading patterns and market activity.

In international markets, the number of trading days can vary greatly depending on the country and its respective holiday schedules. This variation in trading days can impact investment strategies and market liquidity.

According to historical trading data, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are considered the best days for day trading due to the gradual build-up of trading momentum and higher profits towards the end of the week.

Analysis shows that these two days generally see increased trading activity and greater price fluctuations, providing more opportunities for profitable trades.

Mondays tend to start slow as traders assess the market after the weekend, leading to lower trading volumes and less volatility. Tuesdays typically see a size-up in trading activity as the week progresses, setting the stage for increased momentum on Wednesdays. By Thursday and Friday, traders often scale back their activity as they prepare for the weekend, resulting in decreased trading opportunities and potentially lower profits.

Based on historical trading patterns and market cycles, the best time of the year for day trading is typically in the third and fourth quarters.

During these periods, there is often increased market volatility and trading volume, which can provide more profitable opportunities for day traders. Additionally, the summer months tend to have reduced trading activity, making it a less favorable time for day trading.

The best time of day for day trading is typically during the first hour after the market opens and the last hour before it closes. These peak trading hours often see higher levels of volatility and trading volume, which can create more opportunities for profitable trades.

During the first hour, traders can take advantage of the initial market reactions to any news or events that occurred overnight. This can result in significant price movements and trading opportunities. Similarly, the last hour of trading often sees increased activity as traders adjust their positions before the market closes.

It’s important to note that market activity can fluctuate throughout the day, with lulls in trading levels and volatility during midday hours. It’s during these quiet periods that day trading opportunities may be more limited.

If you’re a serious trader, knowing the number of trading days in a year can help you set income targets. With an average of 252 trading days ‌a year, it’s essential to have the right tools to maximize your opportunities in the market.

That’s still a lot of days for trading opportunities. Solid trading computers are specifically designed to handle the demands of active trading, providing the speed, power, and reliability needed to execute trades with precision. Whether you’re a day trader, swing trader, or investor, having a dedicated trading computer can give you a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of financial markets.