Trading can be exciting, but it helps to know the basics like how the market calendar works. Many people ask about the number of days the stock market is open each year because it affects planning trades and understanding returns. This isn’t just a random number—it depends on weekends, holidays, and sometimes unexpected closures.
In a typical year, the US stock market, like the NYSE and NASDAQ, operates on weekdays only. That means no trading on Saturdays or Sundays. Holidays also play a big role, closing the market to give everyone a break. These factors make the total vary slightly from year to year.
This article explains it all in simple terms, perfect for beginners or seasoned traders. We’ll look at how to calculate it, why it matters, and specifics. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture to help with your trading strategy.
Why Understanding Trading Days Matters
Knowing the number of trading days helps traders set realistic goals. For example, if you’re calculating annual returns, dividing by the right number gives accurate daily averages. It also aids in planning around holidays when markets are closed, avoiding surprises.
Markets aren’t open every day because of structure. Weekends allow for maintenance and rest, while holidays align with national observances. Unexpected events, like severe weather or global crises, can lead to rare closures, but those are uncommon.
For day traders, fewer days mean condensed action, potentially increasing volatility. Long-term investors might not notice as much, but it’s still key for benchmarking performance against indexes like the S&P 500.
Factors Influencing Trading Days
Several elements determine the count:
- Weekends: Always 104 in most years (52 weeks x 2), but leap years or calendar quirks can adjust this slightly.
- Holidays: US markets close for about 9-10 federal and observed days.
- Early Closes: Days like the Friday after Thanksgiving end at 1 p.m. ET, but still count as trading days.
- Special Closures: Rare, like after 9/11 or during pandemics, but not typical.
These keep the system fair and predictable.
How to Calculate Trading Days in Any Year
Calculating is straightforward. Start with 365 days (366 in leap years). Subtract weekends—usually 104. That leaves about 261 weekdays. Then subtract holidays that fall on weekdays. If a holiday lands on a weekend, it’s often observed on the nearest weekday, affecting the count.
For accuracy, check official calendars from exchanges like NYSE. They list closures in advance. Tools like financial apps or websites can automate this, but understanding the math builds confidence.
Leap years add an extra day, but if it’s a weekend, it doesn’t boost trading days. For instance, 2024 was a leap year with 252 trading days, similar to non-leap averages.
How Many Trading Days Are in a Year?
On average, there are 252 trading days in a year for the US stock market. This comes from 365 days minus 104 weekends minus about 9 holidays. However, it can range from 250 to 253 depending on how holidays align with weekends.
For 2025 specifically, there are 251 trading days. This is because 2025 has 365 days, 104 weekends, and 10 holidays all falling on weekdays, resulting in 261 weekdays minus 10 closures. Key exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ follow this schedule.
This number is standard for major US markets, but forex or crypto trade more days since they’re global and often 24/7. Always confirm for your specific asset class.
Trading Holidays and Their Impact
Holidays are the main variable. US markets close for national days, giving traders time off. If a holiday falls on Saturday, it’s observed Friday; on Sunday, Monday. This shifts the impact.
In 2025, all 10 holidays are on weekdays, leading to the 251 count. Examples include New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1, and Christmas on Thursday, December 25.
Early close days, like July 3, don’t reduce the total—they’re still open, just shorter. This affects intraday traders more than others.
List of 2025 US Stock Market Holidays
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Wednesday)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20 (Monday)
- Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day): February 17 (Monday)
- Good Friday: April 18 (Friday)
- Memorial Day: May 26 (Monday)
- Juneteenth: June 19 (Thursday)
- Independence Day: July 4 (Friday)
- Labor Day: September 1 (Monday)
- Thanksgiving Day: November 27 (Thursday)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Thursday)
These closures promote work-life balance and align with cultural events.
Historical Trading Days: Trends Over Time
Looking back helps see patterns. Most years hover around 252, but variations occur. For example, 2020 had 253 due to holiday placements, despite pandemic disruptions.
Here’s a table showing trading days for recent years:
| Year | Trading Days | Number of Weekday Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 253 | 9 |
| 2021 | 252 | 9 |
| 2022 | 252 | 9 |
| 2023 | 250 | 10 |
| 2024 | 252 | 9 |
| 2025 | 251 | 10 |
This table highlights how holiday alignments cause small shifts. Note that since Juneteenth became a market holiday in 2021, years with it on a weekday often have 10 closures.
Differences Across Markets and Regions
US stocks average 252, but other markets differ. The London Stock Exchange has about 253, while Tokyo’s has around 230 due to more holidays. Forex trades 260 days (5 days a week, year-round), ignoring most holidays.
Crypto markets are always open, with 365/366 days, but liquidity drops on weekends. For international traders, time zones matter—US hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
If you’re in options or futures, check CME Group calendars, which align closely with NYSE but have nuances.
Tips for Traders: Making the Most of Trading Days
Plan around the calendar. Mark holidays in your app to avoid placing orders on closed days. Use the count for backtesting strategies—252 days standardizes comparisons.
Monitor volatility near holidays; thinner trading can amplify moves. For 2025’s 251 days, adjust annual targets slightly lower than average years.
Diversify across markets if you want more action. Tools like TradingView show calendars, helping you stay ahead.
Conclusion
Figuring out how many trading days are in a year is key for smart planning. Generally 252, but 251 for 2025 due to holiday setups. This knowledge boosts your edge, whether day trading or investing long-term. Stay informed, adapt to the calendar, and trade wisely in the coming year.
FAQ
Why does the number of trading days vary each year?
It varies because holidays sometimes fall on weekends, reducing closures. In years like 2025 with all 10 holidays on weekdays, it’s 251. Average is 252 as some years have fewer effective closures. Leap years add a day but only if it’s a weekday.
How do early close days affect trading?
Early closes, like at 1 p.m. ET, are still full trading days but shorter. They happen before some holidays, like July 3, 2025. Intraday traders adjust strategies for lower volume later, but it doesn’t change the annual count.
Are there trading days in other markets like forex or crypto?
Forex has about 260 days, open 24/5 from Sunday evening to Friday. Crypto trades 365 days, always on. US stocks stick to 252 average due to weekends and holidays. Choose based on your style—stocks for structure, others for flexibility.
How can I find the trading calendar for future years?
Check official sites like NYSE.com for holidays and hours. Financial apps like Yahoo Finance or Bloomberg have calendars. For 2026 estimates, expect around 252, but confirm annually as dates shift.