Is the stock market open on New Year’s Day? No. The UK stock market will be closed on Wednesday, 1 January 2024 to observe the first day of the new calendar year.
The UK stock market opening times are 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday with a small break between 12pm and 12.02pm. However, public holidays and events can impact when the stock market opens. For instance, the stock market is not open on Christmas but observes a half-day on Christmas Eve.
Investors will be keeping an eye on the key money dates for 2025, and MoneyWeek readers can check out our weekly share tips guide for a diverse pick of stocks.
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This year has seen a lot of highs and lows – inflation has risen to 2.6%, interest rates have been cut twice, and the Autumn Budget has resulted in higher tax bills for wealthy households.
We look at when the stock market is open in 2025 and the trading calendar for the rest of the year.
Is the stock market open on New Year?
No, the UK stock market will remain closed on New Year’s Day, which falls on Wednesday, 1 January 2025.
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) observes eight standard holidays throughout the calendar year, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. The LSE recognises public and bank holidays in England and Wales – but not bank holidays which are only in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
On New Year’s Eve, which falls on 31 December 2024, the stock market is open for a half-day and will close from 12:30pm.
Investors can ring in the new year with an extended holiday before getting on with work and other commitments. If you’ve not filed a tax return to HMRC, it may be worth looking into it before the deadline passes on 31 January.
When is the UK stock market closed in 2025?
The London Stock Exchange has released a list of all the bank holidays in 2025 and how they impact trading on the stock exchange.
| Date | Bank holiday | On Exchange Trading Services | OTC/SI Off-book trade reporting only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 1 January 2025 | New Year Day | NON-trading day.Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI | Not available |
| Friday 18 April 2025 | Good Friday | NON-trading day.Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI | Not available |
| Monday 21 April 2025 | Easter Monday | NON-trading day.Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI | Not available |
| Monday 5 May 2025 | Early May Bank Holiday | NON-trading day.Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI | Available as normal |
| Monday 26 May 2025 | Spring Bank Holiday | NON-trading day.Also GBX/ GBP NON-settlement day in EUI | Available as normal |
| 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 | Available as normal |
| Wednesday 31 December 2025 | New Year 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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