UK stock market opening times

We reveal the UK stock market opening times, what are the extended trading hours and whether it’s open on bank holidays

The logo of the London Stock Exchange Group Plc
(Image credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

UK stock market opening times can vary based on whether it’s a public holiday or the festive season.

While most stock markets are open throughout the working week, that doesn’t always mean Monday to Friday. For example, the Saudi Stock Exchange is open from Sunday to Thursday. Trading hours can also vary from region to region.

Whatever investment platforms or trading apps you use, and whether you’re a beginner investor or a seasoned trader, it’s worth knowing when the UK stock market is open.

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UK stock market opening times in 2025

The UK’s stock market is the London Stock Exchange. It is typically open on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm with a tiny break between 12:00 pm and 12:02 pm. This is unlike Asian and Middle Eastern markets, which close for an hour.

With a total trading window of 8 hours and 28 minutes, the UK exchange has some of the longest opening hours in the world. The trading session in New York is just six hours and 30 minutes.

The London Stock Exchange is closed on weekends. However, some big City traders can place deals outside of the standard stock market opening times – also known as extended hours or after-hours trading.

We look at the opening times for the London Stock Exchange throughout the year.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Regular trading schedule

Trading times Monday – Friday

Pre-Market and After-Hours Trading

5:05 am to 7:50 am

Pre-Trading

8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Regular Trading

4:40 pm to 5:15 pm

Post-Close Trading

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Partial trading schedule

Trading times Monday – Friday

Pre-Market and After-Hours Trading

5:05 am to 7:50 am

Pre-Trading

8:00 am to 12:30 pm

Regular Trading

12:40 pm to 1:15 pm

Post-Close Trading

Is the London Stock Exchange open on bank holidays?

While the London Stock Exchange is usually open on weekdays, bank holidays in England and Wales disrupt trading services. For instance, the stock market will be closed on 25 August as it’s a bank holiday Monday.

We’ve rounded up all the bank holidays coming up this year and their impact on the UK stock market.

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UK stock market bank holidays 2025

Date

Bank holiday

On Exchange Trading Services

OTC/SI Off-book trade reporting only

Monday 25 August 2025

Summer Bank Holiday

NON-trading day.

Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI

Available as normal

Wednesday 24 December 2025

Christmas Holiday half day

Markets closing process commences from 12:30 London time. Standard settlement day.

Available as normal

Thursday 25 December 2025

Christmas Day

NON-trading day.

Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI

Not available

Friday 26 December 2025

Boxing Day

NON-trading day.

Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI

Not available

Wednesday 31 December 2025

New Year's Holiday half day

Markets closing process commences from 12:30 London time. Standard settlement day.

Available as normal

Source: London Stock Exchange

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Oojal Dhanjal
Editorial Content Producer

Oojal has a background in consumer journalism and is interested in helping people make the most of their money.

Oojal has an MA in international journalism from Cardiff University, and before joining MoneyWeek, she worked for Look After My Bills, a personal finance website, where she covered guides on household bills and money-saving deals.

Her bylines can be found on Newsquest, Voice Wales, DIVA and Sony Music, and she has explored subjects ranging from politics and LGBTQIA+ issues to food and entertainment.

Outside of work, Oojal enjoys travelling, going to the movies and learning Spanish with a little green owl.