Indian stock markets are scheduled to be closed for multiple days towards the end of March due to festivals and holidays, in addition to the regular weekend breaks. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will not conduct trading activities on March 25 in observance of Holi, and on March 29 for Good Friday.
Segments Affected by Closure
Trading will be suspended in the equity, equity derivatives, and securities lending & borrowing (SLB) segments on these two dates across both the BSE and NSE. Additionally, the currency derivatives segment will remain closed on March 25 and 29, as per the holiday calendars released by the exchanges.
Partial Trading Holidays for Commodities
While there will be partial trading holidays in the commodity derivatives and electronic gold receipts (EGR) segments on Holi, March 25, with the morning session closed from 9 AM to 5 PM, trading will be permitted during the evening session from 5 PM until midnight. However, on Good Friday, March 29, the commodity and EGR segments will observe a complete holiday, remaining closed for the entire day.
Limited Trading Week Ahead
With two holidays falling within the same week, Indian stock markets will effectively be open for trading only three sessions during the period from March 25 to 29.
More Holidays Ahead in 2024
Looking ahead, Indian stock exchanges will observe a total of 10 trading holidays for the rest of 2024, excluding the weekly market closures. These holidays include two in April, one each in May, June, July, August, October, November, and December.
Navigating Volatility Amid Concerns
The upcoming string of holidays coincides with a period of volatility in Indian markets, driven by concerns over economic growth, interest rates, and corporate earnings. Market participants and traders will need to plan their strategies carefully to mitigate disruption and capitalize on the limited trading opportunities during the final week of March.
