Introduction
India allows trade in the stock market only during a particular time interval. Such transactions should be performed by the retail customers via a brokerage agency between 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays.
The majority of investors’ purchases/sales take place in the securities listed at major stock exchanges based out of India – Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and National Stock Exchange(NSE). The timings of these two major stock exchanges in India are the same.
Indian Stock Market New Timings?
the official trading hours of the Indian stock market on the major exchanges like BSE and NSE. The timings remain the same.
| Pre-opening Session | 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM IST |
| Regular Trading Session | 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM IST |
| Closing Session | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM IST |
However, there are some additional segments within these sessions, like the block deal sessions in the morning and afternoon, which might be of interest. Here’s a breakdown of the different market segments:
- Pre-opening session- This is a 15-minute window where investors can place orders but they are not matched or executed. This allows you to gauge market sentiment and adjust your strategy before the regular trading session begins.
- Regular trading session- This is the main event, where all the buying and selling action happens. Orders are matched and executed in real-time, and prices fluctuate based on supply and demand.
- Closing session- This is a 30-minute window after the regular trading session ends. During this time, investors can place orders for large blocks of shares, which are known as block deals.
It’s important to note that the stock market can be volatile, so it’s important to do your research and understand the risks before investing.
What Is the Muhurat Time of Indian Stock Market?
The Muhurat Trading session in the Indian stock market, also known as the Mahurat Trading, typically occurs on Diwali, the Festival of Lights. During this auspicious occasion, a special one-hour trading session takes place in the evening. The specific Muhurat Trading time may vary each year and is announced by the stock exchanges.
Traders and investors participate in this symbolic session to seek prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming financial year. The Muhurat Trading session is a tradition in the Indian stock market, representing a moment of celebration and optimism for the investing community. Investors are advised to check with the respective stock exchanges for the exact Muhurat Trading time each year.
Is NSE Going To Extend Trading Hours?
There have been developments regarding extending trading hours on the NSE, but no official announcement has been made about its implementation.
Here’s a summary of the current situation.
Proposal- NSE submitted a proposal to SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) in September 2023, suggesting a phased extension of trading hours for the derivatives segment (F&O).
Phases- The proposal included three phases:
Phase 1: Extend trading hours for Index F&O from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Phase 2: Extend Index F&O trading till 11.30 pm.
Phase 3: Extend cash market trading hours until 5 pm.
Challenges- The proposal has faced some resistance from various stakeholders, including.
Small brokers: Worrying about the increased operational costs and workload.
Investors: Concerns about potential impact on work-life balance and investor fatigue.
Markets: Possible lack of liquidity during extended hours.
SEBI’s stance– SEBI has not yet given its final approval. They are in the process of analyzing stakeholder feedback and considering the potential benefits and risks of the proposal.
Current status- While NSE was aiming for a March 2024 rollout, the internal deadline has likely been deferred due to SEBI’s lack of a clear go-ahead.
In conclusion, NSE extending trading hours is still under consideration with no definitive timeline. It’s important to stay updated on the latest developments from SEBI and NSE for any official announcements.
What Is Muhurat Trading Session?
Muhurat trading session is a unique one-hour trading session that takes place in the Indian stock market on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights. It carries both cultural and financial significance in the Indian investment landscape. Here’s a breakdown of Muhurat trading:
Significance
- Auspicious Timing- The exact timing of the Muhurat session is determined by astrologers based on the “muhurat” or auspicious hour, believed to bring prosperity and wealth throughout the year.
- Symbolic Trading- Investors often buy a small amount of stocks during this session as a ritual, offering to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune.
- Market Sentiment- While the session mainly serves as a symbolic gesture, it can also be an indicator of the market sentiment for the coming year. A bullish session with high volumes can create an optimistic outlook.
Details of the session
- Timing- Varies every year based on the muhurat calculation. Typically held in the evening during the Lakshmi Pujan time on Diwali.
- Duration- One hour, with a 15-minute pre-opening and closing session for settlements.
- Participation- Both major exchanges, BSE and NSE, conduct the Muhurat session.
- Trading Volume- Often lower than the regular sessions, with focused symbolic trades on specific stocks.
What Is the Time for Futures and Options?
Trading Hours
| Regular Trading Session | 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM IST for both Futures and Options on all major Indian exchanges like NSE and BSE. |
| Muhurat Trading Session | This optional, one-hour session takes place on Diwali during the Lakshmi Pujan time and varies per year based on astrological calculations. |
| Extended Trading Hours | Currently, there are no officially extended trading hours for Futures and Options in India. However, NSE proposed extending Index F&O trading phases in September 2023, with the first phase aiming for 6 pm to 9 pm. This is still under evaluation by SEBI, and no confirmed implementation date exists. |
Other Time-Related Aspects
| Expiry Dates | Futures and Options contracts have set expiry dates, typically the last Thursday of each month. You can’t exercise or trade after the expiry date. |
| Settlement Dates | Delivery and settlement timings might differ depending on the specific contract and exchange. |
Bottomline:-
The regular trading hours for the Indian stock market were from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM IST. It’s crucial to note that stock market timings are subject to change, and any updates or modifications made after my last update may not be reflected here. For the most accurate and current information, I recommend checking with the respective stock exchanges or regulatory authorities. Investors should stay informed about any changes in the trading hours to plan their activities accordingly and ensure compliance with the latest market regulations.
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