What are stock market timings?

 The Indian stock market operates during specific hours on weekdays, making it important for traders and investors to be familiar with these timings for informed and efficient decision-making. The equity market operates from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday, with different segments and sessions structured around these core hours.

Equity Market Timings:

The trading hours for the equity segment are divided into three key sessions:

 Pre-market Session (9:00 AM – 9:15 AM):

·       In this session, the order matching period begins immediately after the order collection phase ends. Orders are matched at a single equilibrium price, which helps determine the opening price of stocks for the Normal trading session. This process involves:

·       9:00 AM – 9:07 AM: Investors can place or modify orders.

·       9:07 AM – 9:08 AM: Buy and sell orders are matched to determine the opening price.

·       9:08 AM – 9:15 AM: This session is defined as Buffer period; no order placement or modification is allowed. Exchanges process and finalize the orders.

Normal Trading Session (9:15 AM – 3:30 PM)

This is the main trading window where orders can be placed, modified, or cancelled without restriction.

Post-market Session (3:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

This session is split into two phases:

·       3:30 PM – 3:40 PM: The closing price is calculated based on the weighted average of trades between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. No new orders or modifications are allowed.

·       3:40 PM – 4:00 PM: Market orders can be placed and are executed at the closing price of the day.

Though less active, the post-market session offers limited trading opportunities based on the day’s closing price.

Please note: Exchange Block Deal Session Timings:

·       Morning Window: Operates from 08:45 AM to 09:00 AM

·       Afternoon Window: Operates from 02:05 PM to 02:20 PM