In a recent announcement, it has been confirmed that the stock market will be closed for trading on three occasions throughout March. This comes after a month without any trading holidays in February and only one holiday in January. The closure affects both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE, which traditionally halt trading on public holidays.
On these specified trading holidays for the year 2024, trading activities in the equity sector, equity derivative segment, and SLB segment will be suspended. Moreover, the public holiday schedule extends to cover the capital markets as well as the futures and options segments.
The decision aligns with the circular issued by the NSE in December of the previous year, which outlined a total of 14 trading holidays along with an additional five holidays falling on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). This move ensures adherence to regulatory frameworks and market norms while providing clarity to investors and stakeholders alike.
Stock market holidays in March 2024
- March 8, Friday - Mahashivratri
- March 25, Monday - Holi
- March 29, Friday - Good Friday
On Monday, the two key equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty closed in the red for the second straight session. Sensex on Monday declined 352 points to 72,790. On the other hand, the NSE Nifty50 declined 91 points to end the day at 22,122 points.
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In the broader markets, the BSE Midcap index slipped 0.38 per cent while the BSE Smallcap fell 0.06 per cent. Volatility gauge, India VIX gained 4.2 per cent.
Sectorwise, Nifty Auto was the only gainer, rising 0.08 per cent. On the other hand, Nifty IT, Metal, Pharma, and Bank indices were the top losers, down up to 1.25 per cent.
In the previous session on Friday, the BSE Sensex closed at 73,143, down 15 points, while the NSE Nifty50 settled at 22,213, down 5 points.