HKEX Operating Hours

The HKEX operates during the following hours on regular business days:

Opening Session: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM HKT

Lunch Break: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM HKT

Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM HKT

Trading is open Monday through Friday, with closures on weekends and public holidays. For the year 2025, the HKEX will observe several public holidays, resulting in full-day or partial-day market closures. The following sections provide an overview of these holidays and the impact of each on the stock exchange schedule.

Overview of HKEX Holiday Calendar in 2025

Each year, the HKEX holiday calendar is designed around key national and cultural holidays in Hong Kong. These public holidays are observed across the financial industry, leading to full-day closures of the stock exchange. Knowing these dates in advance is beneficial for investors, allowing them to plan trading activities effectively.

HKEX holidays align with major local celebrations and official observances, and in some cases, international holiday periods, impacting trading activity and liquidity on these dates.

Learn more: What Time Does Chinese Stock Market Open and Close?

Hong Kong Stock Exchange Holidays in 2025: Closures and Operating Hours
Hong Kong Stock Exchange Holidays

List of Public Holidays Affecting HKEX in 2025

Below is a detailed list of the public holidays observed by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2025, along with explanations of each holiday's significance and closure status:

  1. New Year's Day

    • Date: January 1, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closure.
    • Significance: New Year’s Day is an internationally recognized holiday marking the beginning of the new calendar year.
  2. Lunar New Year

    • Dates: February 1–4, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closures from February 1 to February 3; February 4 is a half-day closure.
    • Significance: Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in Hong Kong, celebrated with family gatherings and various cultural festivities. The HKEX closes for multiple days to allow participants to celebrate.
  3. Ching Ming Festival

    • Date: April 4, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closure.
    • Significance: This traditional Chinese festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a time to honor ancestors. Market activities are paused to observe this culturally significant day.
  4. Good Friday and Easter Monday

    • Dates: April 18–21, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closures for Good Friday (April 18), the day following Good Friday (April 19), and Easter Monday (April 21).
    • Significance: As a former British colony, Hong Kong continues to observe these Christian holidays, impacting stock exchange operations during the Easter period.
  5. Labour Day

    • Date: May 1, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closure.
    • Significance: Labour Day, celebrated in many countries around the world, recognizes the contributions of workers. It is a public holiday in Hong Kong, leading to a one-day market closure.
  6. Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival

    • Date: June 11, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closure.
    • Significance: The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with boat races and commemorations. It is a national holiday, and the HKEX closes to allow for public observance.
  7. National Day

    • Date: October 1, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closure.
    • Significance: National Day celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This public holiday is widely observed, resulting in a closure of the stock market.
  8. Chung Yeung Festival

    • Date: October 14, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closure.
    • Significance: The Chung Yeung Festival, similar to Ching Ming, is a day to honor ancestors and visit gravesites. Market activities are paused in recognition of this cultural observance.
  9. Christmas Holiday

    • Dates: December 25–26, 2025
    • Closure: Full-day closures on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
    • Significance: As a widely celebrated holiday, Christmas leads to a market closure, with an additional closure on the day following Christmas, known as Boxing Day.

These holidays provide breaks in trading activity, allowing market participants to participate in cultural, traditional, or religious observances. Investors should consider these dates when planning trades, as market liquidity and volatility may be affected around these periods.

China Calendar 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances: Dates and Celebrations China Calendar 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances: Dates and Celebrations

Implications of HKEX Holidays for Investors

Holiday closures at HKEX influence trading strategies, liquidity, and volatility in the market. Key implications for investors include:

  • Liquidity Impact: During holiday periods, trading volumes may decrease, which can influence price movements and create gaps in the market upon reopening.
  • Volatility and Global Markets: Investors may observe heightened volatility immediately before or after a holiday closure due to concentrated trading activity. It is crucial to monitor international markets, as they may continue to impact Hong Kong-listed stocks despite the local exchange being closed.
  • Portfolio Adjustments: Investors should consider adjusting their portfolios in advance of holidays, especially for securities that may experience significant volatility. Those with exposure to international markets may find opportunities for arbitrage or price movements based on news during the HKEX closure.

Investor Tip: Stay updated with global financial news around HKEX holidays to adjust positions effectively. Setting automated alerts for international stock movements can help investors manage risks during the HKEX’s closed periods.

Comparison with Other Major Stock Exchanges

The HKEX holiday schedule has similarities and differences compared to other global stock exchanges. For example:

  • NYSE: The New York Stock Exchange observes U.S. federal holidays, such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving, which are not relevant in Hong Kong.
  • LSE (London Stock Exchange): The LSE has unique holiday closures, including days like the Spring and Summer Bank Holidays.
  • TSE (Tokyo Stock Exchange): The TSE observes Japanese holidays, such as Golden Week, which do not align with HKEX’s schedule.

These differences underscore the importance of understanding each market’s schedule, especially for international investors trading across multiple time zones and regions.

Conclusion

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s holiday schedule in 2025 is essential knowledge for investors navigating the Asian markets. With closures on significant public holidays, understanding HKEX’s trading hours and holiday calendar helps investors strategize effectively. By planning trades around holiday dates, adjusting portfolios, and monitoring global financial movements, investors can make informed decisions and manage potential risks during HKEX holiday periods.

For a successful trading year, keeping this holiday guide on hand will allow you to be proactive and well-prepared for any market impacts these closures may bring.

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