Knowledge Center Fundamental Analysis
The world of commodity trading can be both exciting and challenging for new investors. To navigate this financial landscape effectively, one must grasp the fundamentals, including trading hours and holidays. In India, the Multi-commodity Exchange, or MCX, plays a pivotal role in commodity trading. In this article, we'll break down MCX's trading hours, holidays, and key information to help new investors get started.
Before diving into the specifics of MCX trading time, it's essential to understand the general timing of commodity trading. Commodity markets worldwide typically operate from Monday to Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays designated as weekly holidays. However, the commodity market timing can vary due to international time zone differences and to align with global commodity market openings.
MCX, as one of India's leading commodity exchanges, adheres to this schedule:
Opening Time: Trading on MCX begins at 9:00 am.
Closing Time: The trading day concludes at 11:30 pm.
Specific Commodity Trading Time/Hours
MCX offers a diverse range of commodities for trading, including gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, and aluminium. The trading hours for these commodities follow a consistent pattern:
Morning Session: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Evening Session: 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm
These sessions provide investors with opportunities to buy and sell commodities during the trading day. It's important to note that all times mentioned are in Indian Standard Time (IST).
A special Session is held to cancel the pending orders prior to the opening of the market between 8:45 A.M. to 8:59 A.M.
Understanding trading holidays is crucial to planning your investment strategy. MCX observes weekly holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. Additionally, the exchange announces specific holidays throughout the year when trading is suspended. Here's a breakdown of MCX trading holidays:
Holiday |
Morning session |
Evening session |
Republic Day |
Closed |
Closed |
Mahashivratri |
Closed |
Open |
Holi |
Closed |
Open |
Mahavir Jayanti/Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
Closed |
Open |
Good Friday |
Closed |
Closed |
Eid-ul-fitr |
Closed |
Open |
Muharram |
Closed |
Closed |
Independence Day |
Closed |
Closed |
Ganesh Chathurthi |
Closed |
Open |
Dussehra |
Closed |
Open |
Diwali |
– |
– |
Diwali Balipratipada |
Closed |
Open |
Gurunanak Jayanti |
Closed |
Open |
Muhurat Trading: On the occasion of Diwali, MCX conducts special Muhurat trading for one hour. The exact timing for Muhurat trading is announced by the exchange.
In addition to the regular trading hours, MCX offers opportunities for international agricultural commodity trading. This window opens from 5:00 pm and closes at 9:00 or 9:30 pm. It's an important consideration for investors interested in agricultural commodities.
Evening Session Timing
The evening trading session on MCX undergoes adjustments twice a year to accommodate daylight saving changes in the United States. During the summer, the evening session closes at 11:30 pm IST, while in the winter, it extends to 11:55 pm IST.
MCX has the authority to change, alter, or introduce new holidays as needed. Any changes in trading hours or holidays are communicated to investors through official circulars from the exchange. This flexibility helps MCX adapt to evolving market conditions and investor needs.
In conclusion, MCX plays a vital role in India's commodity trading landscape, offering diverse investment opportunities. As a new investor or trader, understanding MCX's trading hours and holidays is essential for effective planning and decision-making. With this knowledge in hand, we can embark on our commodity trading journey with confidence, knowing when to engage in the market and when to take a break. Always stay updated with MCX's official announcements to ensure we have the most accurate information for your trading activities.
MCX trading hours are from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm IST, Monday to Friday.
Yes, the evening session timing may change twice a year to accommodate daylight saving in the US.
Yes, most commodities on MCX follow a consistent schedule: 10:00 am to 11:30 am (Morning Session) and 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm (Evening Session).
Saturdays and Sundays are weekly holidays, and trading is suspended on these days.
Yes, MCX has the authority to change or introduce new holidays, which they communicate through official circulars.