No, both the premier stock exchanges of India - National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) do not work on Saturdays.
Indian Stock Market
The pillars of the Indian stock market are its two premier exchanges – National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The oldest is BSE which came into existence in 1875, and the largest being NSE.
What are the Stock Market Timings in India?
The pre-opening slot in the Indian stock markets is between 9.00 AM and 9.15 AM. The normal trading hours, also known as the continuous trading sessions are between 9.15 AM and 3.30 PM. The post-closing session is allotted for 30 minutes duration, between 3.30 PM and 4.00 PM.
Indian Stock Market Working days
Both NSE and BSE are open for trades on weekdays commencing Monday and ending on Friday.
Indian Stock Market Holidays
The Indian stock markets do not operate on all Saturdays and Sundays. In addition, they are closed on national holidays that are listed below.
Trading Holidays List (For Equity**)
- Republic Day
- Maha Shivratri
- Holi
- Dr.Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanthi
- Good Friday
- Id-Ul-Fitr
- MOharam
- Independence Day
- Ganesha Chaturthi
- Dussehra
- Diwali
- Guru Nanak Jayanti
- Christmas
*Muhurat Trading is held on Diwali evening.
**The list given above is for Trading Holidays for Equity (NSE & BSE).
Do holidays have an effect on the stock markets?
It is believed that the weekends can have an effect on the stock markets. The traders are inclined to witness a spiral in the trades done and inflated returns are reaped on Fridays when compared to Mondays. The weekend effect is debated to be attributed to two main reasons:
- Firstly, the irrational exuberance of the traders
- Secondly, most companies tend to announce news (mainly those that have ill effects), on Friday evenings after the market closes or on weekends.
Indian Stock Market and Holidays
Timeliness is indispensable when it comes to trading. Although holiday effects and Monday blues are not proven in trading, it is debated to have an effect on the stock market based on historical happenings and trends.
Furthermore, the Indian stock market environment is not as robust as in other countries and there are only a handful of professional traders. Most of the Indian investors and traders do stock trading as a sidekick, whilst they are employed full-time elsewhere. In such a market condition, it is notable that both NSE and BSE are not open for trading on Saturdays.