You may have heard that the stock market will be open for normal trading this Saturday, January 20th. But it will be closed on Monday, January 22nd for a regional holiday.
As an investor or trader, this directly impacts your ability to buy and sell stocks on these days. Here is something you have to know:
Earlier, the exchanges said Saturday trading would run from a backup disaster recovery site. But now it will take place as usual from the primary main site. Regular trading hours apply. This is good news as it means no disruptions this weekend.
The National Stock Exchange confirmed normal trading sessions on Saturday. You can invest in equity and derivatives markets as you normally would.
Pay attention if you trade index derivatives contracts expiring soon. The Nifty Midcap Select contracts will now expire January 20th, not January 22nd.
Similarly, some Bank Nifty derivative contracts will expire on January 20th instead of the 22nd. Adjust any positions you hold accordingly before expiry.
Why the Market is Closed on Monday
Monday, January 22nd is a regional public holiday in Maharashtra state for the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir temple. Therefore, stock exchanges will remain closed that day per the Negotiable Instruments Act by order of the Reserve Bank of India.
Other institutions like public sector banks, insurance companies and rural banks will also be affected with closures or short hours. Central government offices close half-day too.
If you had any banking or payments planned for that Monday, make alternative arrangements. The closures are disruptive but celebrations are important too.
Markets Rebound on Friday
Last Friday brought some relief after three straight days of benchmark index losses. The Sensex closed up 496 points driven by a firming global environment while the Nifty gained 160 points.
On Saturday, trading will likely see continued reaction to major corporate earnings results announced Friday. Giants like Reliance Industries and Hindustan Unilever reported, beating expectations.
Banking stocks will stay in focus too as earnings from ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank arrive. More reports next week could sustain positive momentum. But you never know which way markets move so invest wisely. Look at the blog on Various Investment Opportunities.