NYSE Historical Trading Schedules
Updated August 25, 2022 by Alan Reed
Most people know that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. However, this schedule has changed several times throughout history.
Did you know the NYSE used to open on Saturdays and even close on Wednesdays at one point?
Historical NYSE Trading Schedules
1792 – 1871: Call Trading Sessions
The NYSE was established in May 1792. In the early years, there was no continuous trading like we have today. Instead, brokers participated in morning and afternoon "call trading" sessions, where an official would announce each stock, and brokers would trade them one by one.
1871 – May 1887: Introduction of Continuous Trading
In 1871, continuous trading was introduced. However, trading hours varied frequently.
- Market Hours: 10:00 a.m. to between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Days Open: Monday to Saturday
May 1887 – September 1952: Standardized Six-Day Trading
In May 1887, trading hours were formally set to:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
This six-day schedule lasted for 65 years.
September 1952 – June 1968: No More Saturday Trading
In 1952, the NYSE eliminated Saturday trading, shifting to a five-day workweek:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
June 12, 1968 – December 31, 1968: The "Paperwork Crisis" & Wednesday Closures
In the late 1960s, trading volumes surged. Without modern computers, clerical staff struggled to process transactions, leading to a backlog of paperwork.
To ease the burden, the NYSE closed on Wednesdays for six months.
- Market Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
- Closed on Wednesdays
January 2, 1969 – July 3, 1969: Shorter Trading Days
Wednesday trading resumed, but hours were shortened:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
July 7, 1969 – September 26, 1969: Gradual Extension
Trading hours were extended by 30 minutes:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
September 29, 1969 – May 1, 1970: Another 30-Minute Extension
The NYSE added another 30 minutes:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May 1970 – October 1974: Extended to 3:30 p.m.
With the paperwork crisis resolved, trading was extended:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
October 1974 – 1985: Closing at 4:00 p.m.
In 1974, the NYSE pushed the closing bell back 30 more minutes:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
1985 – Present: Modern Trading Hours
In 1985, the NYSE made its final change to date by moving the opening bell earlier:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- This 6.5-hour trading window has remained unchanged ever since.
The Future: NYSE Exploring 22-Hour Trading in 2025
For over 35 years, NYSE trading hours have remained the same. However, in 2025, this could change.
The NYSE Arca electronic exchange is considering extending trading hours to 22 hours per day. This move aims to align with global markets and meet growing demand for U.S.-listed stocks in Asia and Europe. If approved, this change could dramatically alter how traders and investors interact with the market.
Have Suggestions?
If you have any historical insights or updates, let us know.
