Stock Market Time Table

03 October, 2023

If you've ever been intrigued by the world of stock market trading and investing but found yourself puzzled about when to start, fret not! Understanding the stock market timings in India is a crucial aspect of gaining an edge in the financial markets.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or a beginner, knowing the share market opening time and trading hours can significantly impact your investment strategy. Let's dive into the details of Indian stock market timings and how they can influence your trades and investment decisions.

Indian stock market timings

The Indian stock market operates all weekdays. It remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays and pre-announced trading holidays. To make informed investment decisions, it is crucial to understand the stock market timings.

The trading day is divided into three main sessions:

• pre-opening session

• regular trading session

• post-closing session.
  
  

The table below illustrates the complete share market timings in India:

Pre-opening session:

The pre-opening session runs from 9.00 am – 9.08 am. During this period, investors can place orders for buying or selling bonds, stocks and other securities. This is when the Indian stock market accepts orders for all types of trades. The orders placed during this period are given priority when the trading begins.

As an investor, you will benefit from the flexibility offered during this time. Any requests you place can be easily adjusted or cancelled according to your needs. It allows you to modify your requests within this 8-minute window before the pre-opening session officially commences.

Regular trading session:

The regular trading session operates from 9.15 am – 3.30 pm. During this time, all the actual buying and selling of stocks takes place. The trading follows a bilateral order matching system. This means that the prices get determined by the interplay of demand and supply forces.

The instability of the bilateral order matching method can lead to volatility. This leads to frequent market fluctuations that directly impact security prices. To manage this volatility, the Indian stock market timings incorporated a multi-order system designed for the pre-opening session.

Post-closing session:

The post-closing session occurs from 3.40 pm – 4.00 pm. This period occurs after the stock market's closing time and allows investors to place bids for the next day's trades. These bids are confirmed if there are sufficient buyers and sellers in the market. Irrespective of the opening market price, these deals are consistently executed at the pre-agreed-upon price.

Consequently, if you have already placed bids, you can realise capital gains if the opening price exceeds the closing price. However, if the closing price exceeds the opening share price, bids can be cancelled during the short window of 9:00 – 9:08 am.

After Market Order (AMO):

AMO is a convenient order type that allows you to place orders outside of regular trading hours. These orders are executed once the market opens. AMOs are beneficial for individuals who cannot actively monitor the markets during regular trading hours. AMO timings range from 4.30 pm – 8.50 am.

Muhurat trading

"Muhurat" is a special and auspicious time for Hindus to embark on new ventures or make positive beginnings. It is an exceptional hour of the year when people across the country come together to trade or invest their money. This unique trading window opens for one hour on the Hindu festival of Diwali.

During Diwali, the Muhurat window signifies the potential for favourable returns by engaging in trading or investment activities on this auspicious day. Consequently, the stock exchange opens a brief trading window, lasting for just one hour. It allows individual investors and stockbrokers to trade, seek profits or make investments during this auspicious occasion.

The timing of the Muhurat trading is not fixed and varies each year, as it depends on the auspicious time chosen by the exchange.

How can you get started with stock market investing?

It's simple! Just follow these steps to begin your investing journey right away.

1. Open a Demat and Trading Account
   
   When you decide to open a Demat Account, you choose to register with a central depository such as the Central Depository Services Ltd (CDSL), or the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL). These depositories work through intermediaries known as Depository Participants (DP), who facilitate interactions between the depository and investors. DPs can be various entities, including banks like HDFC Bank, stockbrokers and financial institutions, all of which provide the option to open a Demat Account with them.
   
   Typically, a Demat Account is complemented by a Trading Account, essential for trading shares in the stock market. For instance, HDFC Bank offers a 3-in-1 Account that integrates a Savings Account, Demat Account and Trading Account. Account opening Link should be given here also
   
   

2. Monitor and optimise your portfolio
   
   Regularly monitor your portfolio to ensure its performance aligns with your expectations. Keep a close eye on the stock performance and make adjustments as needed. If you notice any consistent underperforming companies, consider replacing them with more promising alternatives to keep your investments on the right track.
   
   

3. Selecting the right investment approach

When it comes to shaping your investment strategy, you'll encounter two primary options:

• buying stocks directly on the open market
  
  
• utilising stock selection services
  
  

Many individuals lean towards investing in professionally constructed portfolios, which offer a diversified mix of stocks. This route involves using your Trading Account to acquire these carefully curated shares. Another viable option is to invest in Equity Mutual Funds.

At HDFC securities we provide in depth financial analysis of different company and provide you recommendation which can help you achieve your financial goals.

Conclusion

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.