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How Many Trading Days in a Year
US stock markets are typically open Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays and unexpected closures. That means the number of trading days changes slightly by year (leap years, holiday placement, and one‑off observances).
Quick Answer
Most years: 252 trading days. Range: 250–254 depending on holidays and weekends.
Futures and some markets have different session hours and holiday rules. This guide focuses on NYSE/Nasdaq regular sessions.
- Plan around ~21 sessions per month and ~63 per quarter
- Holiday placement can shift the yearly count by a few days
- Use the count to set realistic review and risk cadences
Recent Years
| Year | Trading Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 252 | Standard holiday schedule expected |
| 2024 | 252 | Leap year; holiday placement kept count near average |
| 2023 | 250 | Holiday placement lowered count slightly |
| 2022 | 251 | Near average |
| 2021 | 252 | Near average |
Counts above are typical and used widely for planning and back‑of‑the‑envelope estimates. Always verify with the official NYSE holiday calendar for the current year.
Why It Matters for Traders
- Planning routines: Build a repeatable pre‑market checklist for each expected trading day.
- Risk budgeting: Set weekly and monthly risk caps based on expected trading sessions.
- Review cadence: Choose cadence (daily/weekly/monthly) and stick to it for roughly 20–21 days per month.
- Expectancy math: Convert annual goals into per‑trade and per‑week targets using session counts.
Quick Conversions
| Period | Approx. Trading Days |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 5 |
| 1 Month | 20–21 |
| 1 Quarter | 63–64 |
| 1 Year | 252 |
FAQs
Do half‑days count?
Yes, the market closes early on certain days (e.g., after Thanksgiving). They still count as trading days.
Is the market ever closed unexpectedly?
Rarely, for national days of mourning or severe events. Always check the official calendar during special circumstances.
Are futures open when equities are closed?
Some futures sessions operate on different holiday schedules and may be open for limited hours.
Want help turning this into a concrete routine?
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