Holiday Trading Hours: A Quick Update for Forex, Crypto, Stocks, and Bonds
Arslan Butt•Monday, December 23, 2024•1 min read
The holiday season impacts the operating hours of major stock and bond markets.
Traders should note the following schedules:
Christmas Eve (Dec 24):
- Stock Markets: NYSE and Nasdaq close early at 1 p.m. ET.
- Bond Markets: Close at 2 p.m. ET.
Christmas Day (Dec 25):
- Both stock and bond markets will remain closed for the day.
New Year’s Eve (Dec 31):
- Stock Markets: Open for regular hours until 4 p.m. ET.
- Bond Markets: Close early at 2 p.m. ET.
New Year’s Day (Jan 1):
- All markets will be closed.
Forex and Crypto Markets: What You Need to Know
Forex Market:
The decentralized nature of Forex allows trading 24/5, but major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s significantly reduce liquidity.
- Christmas Eve (Dec 24): Reduced trading hours as financial institutions close early.
- Christmas Day (Dec 25): Most Forex brokers pause operations, leading to very low liquidity.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec 31): Limited activity with reduced trading hours.
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1): Trading halts globally as banks remain closed.
Crypto Market:
Unlike traditional markets, cryptocurrencies operate 24/7. However, holiday trading volumes often dip, causing:
- Lower Liquidity: Wider spreads and increased volatility.
- Price Swings: Small altcoins may see sharp, erratic moves.
Economic Data and Market Updates to Watch
Despite the holidays, several key updates can influence trading:
- Dec 23: U.S. Consumer Confidence Index (10 a.m. ET).
- Dec 24: Durable Goods Orders and New Home Sales.
- Dec 26: U.S. Jobless Claims.
Tips for Navigating Holiday Markets
- Plan Ahead: Confirm trading schedules and adjust strategies for reduced liquidity.
- Set Alerts: Use notifications for significant price levels in Forex and Crypto.
- Stay Cautious: Avoid over-leveraging trades, as volatility spikes are common.
By staying informed and prepared, traders can make the most of the quieter yet unpredictable holiday markets.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Arslan Butt
Index & Commodity Analyst
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.
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