Stock Market Early Close Today: What Investors Need to Know

The U.S. stock market is closing early today. The final bell will ring at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This shortened session occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

This is a standard annual practice for Wall Street. The early closure allows traders and financial staff a longer holiday weekend.

Holiday Trading Schedule Explained

Regular trading hours run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Holiday schedules like today’s see markets close at 1:00 p.m. ET. Bond markets also follow this early closure.

Investors should submit orders well before the 1:00 p.m. deadline. Any trades after that time will queue for the next full session. This is typically the following Monday.

Market Rally Caps Thanksgiving Week

Trading activity may be lighter than usual today. However, the week itself has been strong for equities. Major indices are poised for significant weekly gains.

According to Reuters, investor optimism is rising. This is driven by growing expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Many analysts now see a high probability of a cut in December.

The Dow Jones is on track for a weekly gain of over 3%. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have also posted strong performances. This rally has provided a welcome boost for November’s performance.

Navigating the Shortened Trading Session

Shortened sessions often feature lower trading volumes. This can sometimes lead to increased price volatility. Large orders may have a more pronounced effect on stock prices.

Some traders use the day for minor portfolio adjustments. Others choose to sit out entirely. It is generally a quieter day for market-moving news.

Long-term investors are advised to avoid reactive decisions. The brief window of trading is not typically indicative of longer-term trends. Sticking to a pre-determined strategy is often the wisest course.

The U.S. stock market early close today provides a brief pause in a volatile year. Investors will be watching closely when full sessions resume next week, with all eyes on the Federal Reserve’s next move.

Thought you’d like to know

What time does the stock market close today?

The U.S. stock market closes at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time today. This applies to both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq.

Why is the stock market closed early?

The early closure is due to the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a long-standing tradition on Wall Street for the Friday after the holiday.

Are bond markets also closed early?

Yes, U.S. bond markets also close early at 2:00 p.m. ET. This is just one hour after the equity markets close.

How does an early close affect trading?

Lower trading volumes can increase volatility. Price swings might be more exaggerated than on a normal full trading day.

When do normal market hours resume?

Normal trading hours will resume on Monday. Markets will open again at the standard time of 9:30 a.m. ET.