One of the most common questions new and even experienced traders ask is, “How many trading days in a year?” Understanding this is more than trivia—it’s essential for planning strategies, analyzing performance, and setting realistic investment goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore the average number of trading days in a year, how holidays affect the schedule, and what the 2025 trading days calendar looks like for major markets.
Table of Contents
What Are Trading Days?
A trading day is any day when the stock market is open for buying and selling securities. Typically, this runs from Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and recognized market holidays.
Most exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, follow this five-day schedule. Trading sessions usually run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EST, though pre-market and after-hours sessions exist for extended trading.
How Many Trading Days in a Year?
On average, the U.S. stock market is open for around 252 trading days per year.
Here’s why it’s not a perfect 260
- Weekends: Markets are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Public holidays: Key U.S. holidays like Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas reduce the total.
- Special closings: Occasionally, markets close for national events or emergencies.
So, while the calendar has 365 days, only about two-thirds are active trading days in a year.
Trading Days in 2025—Complete Trading Days Calendar
If you’re planning ahead for 2025, here’s the breakdown:
- Total trading days 2025: 251
- Full weekends: 104 non-trading days
- Market holidays (U.S.): 10 official holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.)
- Half trading days: Sometimes, the market closes early, like on Christmas Eve or the day after Thanksgiving.
That means investors will have 251 opportunities to trade in 2025.
Why Knowing Trading Days Matters
- Plan investment strategies—Traders relying on yearly returns must calculate based on available sessions.
- Manage risk—Fewer trading days in a holiday-heavy month could mean reduced liquidity and volatility.
- Benchmark performance – Portfolio growth is often measured against trading sessions, not calendar days.
- Schedule trades smartly – Knowing early closings and long weekends can help avoid low-volume traps.
How Many Days Is the Stock Market Open Each Year?
The stock market doesn’t run every single day of the year. On average, it’s open about 252 days annually, Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays. While this number can shift slightly depending on how holidays fall, it gives investors plenty of opportunities to trade. Knowing the exact number of open days helps traders plan strategies, track performance, and make smarter decisions throughout the year.
Key Global Market Considerations
While the U.S. has around 251 trading days in 2025, this number varies globally:
- London Stock Exchange (LSE): ~253 trading days.
- Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE): ~245 trading days.
- National Stock Exchange of India (NSE): Usually ~250 trading days.
If you trade international markets, always check the local trading days calendar.
FAQs:
Q1. Why does the stock market close on certain holidays?
ANSWER: The market closes on major public holidays to align with national observances and to give financial institutions, employees, and traders time off. This ensures consistency and avoids extremely low-volume sessions.
Q2. Do weekends count as trading days?
ANSWER: No, weekends are excluded because the stock market operates only Monday through Friday. Stock markets stay closed on Saturdays and Sundays everywhere in the world, no matter which exchange you look at.
Q3. Can investors trade after the market closes?
ANSWER: Yes, you can trade before the market officially opens and even after it closes. But keep in mind, during these hours trading is usually quieter, prices can swing more, and buying or selling may cost a bit extra.
Q4. Why does the number of active sessions change every year?
ANSWER: The count changes because holidays fall on different weekdays each year. If a holiday lands on a weekend, the stock market usually takes the closest weekday off instead, which can slightly change the trading schedule.
Q5. How do reduced sessions or half-days impact traders?
ANSWER: Half-days usually mean lighter trading volumes, which can result in less liquidity and unusual price movements. Many traders avoid these days, while others see them as opportunities for short-term moves.
Final Thoughts
So, how many trading days are there in a year? On average, around 252, but in 2025, it’s 251. These trading days are the heartbeat of the financial markets, shaping opportunities for investors worldwide.
Whether you’re a day trader looking for high-frequency opportunities or a long-term investor, knowing exactly how many days the stock market is open helps you plan smarter, trade better, and stay ahead.