There are 252 trading days in a typical U.S. stock market year, but leap years and holiday shifts mean the total can drop to 251 or 250.
This guide explains exactly how many trading days there are each year, how it’s calculated, which holidays close the market, why these days matter, and how the U.S. compares globally. Use this to plan trades and never get caught out by a market holiday.
What Counts as a Trading Day in the U.S. Stock Market?
A trading day is any weekday when U.S. markets are open, usually Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern, except for official holidays.
For example, the market is closed on New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, and every Saturday/Sunday.
Standard U.S. Stock Market Hours
- Regular Trading Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- Pre-Market Trading: 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET
- After-Hours Trading: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Stock market hours vary across different financial exchanges globally, such as London Stock Exchange (LSE) and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE).
How to Calculate the Number of Trading Days in a Year
Calculating the number of trading days in a given year involves simple arithmetic. The calendar year has 365 days (or 366 in a leap year), but you need to account for weekends and holidays when stock markets are closed.
Typically, there are 52 weekends in a year, which amounts to 104 non-trading days. Additionally, there are approximately 10 stock market holidays observed annually, which further reduces the number of available trading days. By subtracting weekends and holidays from the total number of days in the year, you can determine how many trading days there are.
- 2023 Trading Days: 252
- 2024 Trading Days: 251
- 2025 Trading Days: 250
Though it may seem like a minor fluctuation, these differences in the number of trading days can slightly affect the strategies of traders and investors who aim to maximize their opportunities.
To calculate trading days, subtract all weekends and official market holidays from the calendar year.
| Year | Total Days | Weekend Days | Market Holidays | Trading Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 365 | 104 | 9 | 252 |
| 2024 | 366 | 104 | 11 | 251 |
| 2025 | 365 | 104 | 11 | 250 |
(Data: NYSE calendar, 2024)
What U.S. Holidays Close the Stock Market? (2025 Example)
The U.S. stock market closes for 9-11 holidays per year, including New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- New Year’s Day: Jan 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan 20
- Presidents’ Day: Feb 17
- Good Friday: Apr 18
- Memorial Day: May 26
- Independence Day: Jul 4 (early close Jul 3)
- Labor Day: Sep 1
- Thanksgiving: Nov 27 (early close Nov 28)
- Christmas Day: Dec 25
(Always check the official NYSE holiday calendar for the latest)
U.S. Stock Market Holidays Calendar Tool (NYSE & Nasdaq)
Stock Market Holidays
U.S. Stock Market Holiday Calendar (NYSE & NASDAQ)
Why the Number of Trading Days Matters
Most annual market gains come from just a handful of trading days—missing even a few can destroy your returns.
Options expiration, index rebalancing, and earnings releases are tied to the official trading calendar.
Example: Missing the 10 best trading days in a year can slash your annual profit by more than 50%.
Key Impacts on Trading Strategies:
- Day Traders & Swing Traders – Plan short-term trades based on market liquidity.
- Long-Term Investors – Factor in market cycles, earnings seasons, and Federal Reserve meetings.
- Options Traders – Expiration dates align with market holidays.
The 80/20 Rule in Trading
Studies show 80% of trading profits come from 20% of trading days, highlighting the importance of trading on high-impact days such as:
- Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decisions
- Earnings Reports of Major Companies
- Inflation & Jobs Data Releases
💡 Tip: Missing a few key trading days can significantly impact annual returns.
This is especially relevant during earnings season or around major news events that can cause significant market movement. Being aware of the number of trading days—and planning for them—can help you capitalize on these critical opportunities.
Trading Days Calculator Tool
Trading Days Calculator
Calculate the total number of trading days in a given year.
Trading Days Around the World
Not all stock exchanges follow the same schedule. Here’s how global markets differ:
| Stock Exchange | Country | Trading Days (2025) | Notable Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYSE / Nasdaq | USA | 250 | Independence Day, Thanksgiving |
| London Stock Exchange (LSE) | UK | 252 | Easter Monday, Boxing Day |
| Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) | Japan | 245 | Golden Week, Emperor’s Birthday |
| Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) | China | 240 | Lunar New Year, National Day |
| Euronext | EU | 251 | Various country-specific holidays |
📊 For International Traders: If you trade forex or global ETFs, knowing when foreign markets are open can create more opportunities.
Being aware of the global trading calendar is particularly useful for international investors or those who engage in forex trading or global ETFs, where market activity can continue even when U.S. markets are closed.
Use this interactive tool to view the opening and closing times of major global stock exchanges, adjusted to your local time zone for seamless trading across markets.
Global Market Hours Tool
Global Market Hours
See live market status and trading hours in your local time.
Final Thoughts
Knowing exactly how many trading days are in a year lets you plan smarter, avoid nasty surprises, and actually catch the days that matter. Stop guessing, start tracking, and treat every trading day like it’s your last big shot at profit.
FAQ
How do you calculate the number of trading days in a year?
To calculate the number of trading days in a year, subtract weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and stock market holidays from the total days in the year (365 or 366 in a leap year). For most U.S. exchanges like the NYSE and Nasdaq, this results in around 250 to 252 trading days annually.
Why are there only 252 trading days in a year?
There are only 252 trading days in a typical year because the stock markets are closed on weekends (52 Saturdays and Sundays) and during holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. This reduces the total available trading days from 365 to around 250.
What days are the stock markets closed?
Stock markets are closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and U.S. holidays such as New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Occasionally, there are early closures before some holidays.
How many hours does the stock market stay open?
In the U.S., the stock market is open for 6.5 hours each day, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Some exchanges also offer pre-market and after-hours trading sessions for added flexibility.
Does the stock market open on public holidays?
No, the stock market does not open on major public holidays in the U.S. These include New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, among others. It’s important to check the stock market calendar for specific holiday closures and early close times.
