Thanksgiving Stock Market Hours 2024: Early Closings and Key Trading Times

The U.S. stock market will close early on Friday, November 29. This follows the Thanksgiving holiday closure on Thursday, November 28. Investors need to adjust their schedules for this shortened trading session.

According to the official calendar from the New York Stock Exchange, early closures are a long-standing tradition. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommends this schedule. It allows market participants to enjoy an extended holiday weekend.

Official Early Close Times for Key Markets

Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will close at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday. Trading begins at the normal time of 9:30 AM ET. This provides just 3.5 hours of regular trading activity.

The bond market follows a slightly different schedule. It is set to close at 2:00 PM ET on the same day. This gives fixed-income traders one extra hour to manage their positions.

Understanding the Impact of Holiday Trading

Holiday-shortened sessions often see lower trading volumes. This can lead to increased price volatility. Large orders may move stock prices more than on a typical full day.

Many institutional traders and fund managers take the day off. This reduces overall market liquidity. Individual investors should use limit orders to avoid unexpected execution prices.

After-hours trading will begin earlier relative to the main session. Normal pre-market activity is still expected. However, the condensed schedule compresses the entire trading cycle.

Preparing for the Post-Thanksgiving Session

Investors should plan their orders carefully. Placing trades well before noon ET is advisable. The final thirty minutes often see a rush of activity as books are squared.

Check with your specific brokerage about any platform restrictions. Some order types may be unavailable on early-close days. Confirm all deadlines for mutual fund trades, which often differ.

The market will return to normal hours on Monday, December 2. No further holiday interruptions are scheduled until the Christmas period. This provides a clear runway for standard trading strategies.

Knowing the precise Thanksgiving stock market hours is crucial for avoiding missed opportunities and managing risk during this unique trading window. Plan your moves with the early close in mind to navigate the holiday liquidity dip successfully.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Are futures markets closed on Thanksgiving?

No, U.S. equity index futures trade for a shortened session on Thanksgiving Day. However, they are closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving, aligning with the stock market’s early closure.

What time does the stock market close on Black Friday?

The stock market closes at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Black Friday. This is the formal early closure day following the Thanksgiving holiday closure on Thursday.

Do banks close for Thanksgiving?

Yes, most U.S. banks are closed on Thanksgiving Day itself. Many also operate on reduced hours or remain closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Check with your local branch for specific hours.

Is the Forex market open on Thanksgiving?

Yes, the global foreign exchange (Forex) market remains open 24 hours a day over the Thanksgiving holiday. It is not bound by U.S. market holidays, though liquidity from U.S. participants will be lower.

When do normal market hours resume?

Normal trading hours resume on the next full business day. Following the Thanksgiving weekend, markets reopen at 9:30 AM ET on Monday, December 2, for a standard 4:00 PM close.