Stock Market Time Table

The blog explains Indian stock market timings.

Synopsis:

  • Understanding Indian Stock Market Timings: The Indian stock market operates on weekdays with three key sessions—Pre-Opening (9:00 am - 9:08 am), Regular Trading (9:15 am - 3:30 pm), and Post-Closing (3:40 pm - 4:00 pm). Knowing these timings is crucial for effective trading.

  • Special Trading Windows: Apart from regular sessions, investors can place After Market Orders (AMO) outside regular hours, and participate in Muhurat Trading during Diwali, which is considered auspicious for new investments.

  • Starting Your Investment Journey: To trade, open a Demat and Trading Account, regularly monitor and optimize your portfolio, and choose the right investment approach, whether buying individual stocks or investing in professionally managed portfolios.

Overview

If you're looking to dive into the world of stock market trading and investing, understanding the timings of the Indian stock market is essential. Whether you are an experienced investor or a beginner, knowing when the market opens, closes, and operates can significantly influence your trading strategy. In this article, we will explore the detailed timings of the Indian stock market, including different sessions, special trading windows like Muhurat trading, and how to get started with investing.

Indian Stock Market Timings

The Indian stock market operates on all weekdays, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and pre-announced trading holidays. The trading day is divided into three primary sessions:

1. Pre-Opening Session

2. Regular Trading Session

3. Post-Closing Session

Below is a detailed breakdown of the share market timings in India:

Sessions Times
Pre-Opening Session 9:00 am – 9:08 am
Regular Trading Session 9:15 am – 3:30 pm
Post-Closing Session 3:40 pm – 4:00 pm


Pre-Opening Session

The pre-opening session runs from 9:00 am to 9:08 am. During this time, investors can place orders for buying or selling stocks, bonds, and other securities. This period is crucial as the Indian stock market accepts and prioritizes these orders when trading begins. The flexibility of this session allows investors to modify or cancel their orders within this 8-minute window.

Regular Trading Session

The regular trading session occurs from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm. This is when the actual buying and selling of stocks take place. The trading follows a bilateral order matching system, where prices are determined by the forces of demand and supply. The volatility in this session can lead to frequent market fluctuations, which directly impact the prices of securities.

Post-Closing Session

The post-closing session runs from 3:40 pm to 4:00 pm. During this time, investors can place bids for the next day's trades. These bids are executed at a pre-agreed price, regardless of the opening market price the next day. If the opening price is higher than the closing price, investors can realize capital gains. However, if the opposite occurs, bids can be canceled during the next day's pre-opening session. 

After Market Order (AMO)

After Market Orders (AMO) are orders that investors can place outside of regular trading hours. These orders are executed once the market opens the next day. AMOs are particularly beneficial for those who cannot monitor the market during regular trading hours. AMO timings range from 4:30 pm to 8:50 am.

Muhurat Trading

Muhurat trading is a special trading window that opens for one hour during the Hindu festival of Diwali. This session is considered auspicious for making new investments and is believed to bring prosperity. The exact timing of Muhurat trading varies each year and is decided based on the auspicious time determined by the stock exchange.

Getting Started with Stock Market Investing

If you're ready to start investing in the stock market, follow these steps:

Open a Demat and Trading Account

To trade in the stock market, you need a Demat and Trading Account. A Demat Account allows you to hold shares in electronic form, while a Trading Account enables you to buy and sell those shares. You can open a Demat Account through a central depository like the Central Depository Services Ltd (CDSL) or the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) via Depository Participants (DP) such as banks, stockbrokers, or financial institutions. For example, HDFC Bank offers a 3-in-1 account that includes a Savings Account, Demat Account, and Trading Account.

Monitor and Optimize Your Portfolio

Regularly monitoring your portfolio is crucial to ensure it meets your investment goals. Keep an eye on the performance of your stocks and make necessary adjustments. If a particular stock is underperforming, consider replacing it with a more promising one to maintain a healthy portfolio.

Selecting the Right Investment Approach

When it comes to investing, you have two main options:

1. Buying Stocks Directly: Purchase individual stocks through your Trading Account based on your analysis or recommendations.

2. Investing in Constructed Portfolios: Consider investing in professionally managed portfolios or Equity Mutual Funds that offer a diversified mix of stocks.

HDFC Securities provides in-depth financial analysis and recommendations to help you achieve your financial goals.

Now that you have understood the share market timings, it's time to experience Share Market Excellence with HDFC Securities! Trade seamlessly with HDFC Banks's Demat and Trading Account, enjoy margin trading, and practice currency and commodity trading.

Ready to open a Demat Account? Click here to begin!

​​​​​​​*Terms and conditions apply. This is an information communication from HDFC Bank and should not be considered as a suggestion for investment. Investments in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

FAQ's

A Credit Card is a financial instrument or facility provided by banks. It comes with a predetermined credit limit. You can utilise this credit limit to make cashless offline and online payments for products and services using your Credit Cards.

A Credit Card is a financial instrument or facility provided by banks. It comes with a predetermined credit limit. You can utilise this credit limit to make cashless offline and online payments for products and services using your Credit Cards.

A Credit Card is a financial instrument or facility provided by banks. It comes with a predetermined credit limit. You can utilise this credit limit to make cashless offline and online payments for products and services using your Credit Cards.

A Credit Card is a financial instrument or facility provided by banks. It comes with a predetermined credit limit. You can utilise this credit limit to make cashless offline and online payments for products and services using your Credit Cards.

A Credit Card is a financial instrument or facility provided by banks. It comes with a predetermined credit limit. You can utilise this credit limit to make cashless offline and online payments for products and services using your Credit Cards.

A Credit Card is a financial instrument or facility provided by banks. It comes with a predetermined credit limit. You can utilise this credit limit to make cashless offline and online payments for products and services using your Credit Cards.

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