What Time Does the Stock Market Close Today? Key Details for Traders and Investors

For traders, investors, and anyone with a stake in the markets, timing is everything. On most days, the U.S. stock market opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, marking a full day of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq. But today is not most days.

The market is following a shortened schedule, a tradition tied to the Thanksgiving holiday. The Friday after Thanksgiving, often referred to as ‘Black Friday’ in retail, also brings a half-day session for Wall Street. This means the market closes early, typically at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, giving traders and employees a head start on the holiday weekend.

This altered schedule shapes both the rhythm of trading and the strategies investors employ. According to CNBC, Friday marks the final trading day of November, with the Nasdaq Composite seeing a fifth consecutive day of gains despite a losing month overall. The tech-heavy index rose 0.5% in the session, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both notched 0.4% and 0.5% rises, respectively.

Holiday Trading Hours: Why Today Is Different

Regular trading hours for the major U.S. exchanges—NYSE and Nasdaq—are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. However, certain holidays disrupt this schedule. On days like the Friday after Thanksgiving, the closing bell rings at 1:00 p.m. ET. This is a longstanding practice meant to balance market liquidity with the realities of holiday staffing and reduced investor activity.

For those monitoring their portfolios or considering last-minute trades, it’s crucial to act before the early close. Orders placed after 1:00 p.m. ET will not be processed until the next full session, which typically resumes the following Monday.

Market Sentiment and Momentum: Thanksgiving Week Rally

Despite the shortened session, this week has seen notable momentum. The Dow is on track to finish the week up more than 3%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have gained over 3% and 4%, respectively. The rally has been fueled by growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, as highlighted by Brian Mulberry, client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, in his remarks to CNBC.

Mulberry noted, “The mood is back to a bit more of a risk-on sentiment in that the market is now 80% to 85% certain we’re going to get a [Federal Reserve] rate cut in just a couple of short weeks.” The prospect of lower rates has lifted investor optimism, particularly after New York Fed President John Williams signaled potential further adjustments to the federal funds rate.

However, not all sectors are riding high. Tech stocks have faced a pullback, with doubts swirling around the profitability of AI companies. The Nasdaq is down nearly 2% for the month, threatening to break a seven-month winning streak.

What This Means for Investors: Strategy and Caution

With the market closing early today, investors must be mindful of their positions and any time-sensitive trades. It’s not just about catching the closing bell—holiday sessions often come with thinner trading volumes, increased volatility, and sometimes unpredictable price swings.

Some traders use these sessions to make tactical moves, while others prefer to sit out, waiting for normal liquidity to return. Historically, holiday-shortened sessions can see less dramatic price movements, but surprises are never out of the question.

For long-term investors, today’s shortened trading hours are a reminder to double-check portfolio allocations, ensure stop-loss orders are in place, and avoid knee-jerk reactions to temporary volatility. The broader narrative this November—a rally despite sector-specific setbacks—underscores the complexity of market dynamics at year’s end.

Looking Ahead: Federal Reserve and December Outlook

Market participants are now looking toward the December Federal Reserve meeting, where a rate cut seems likely. This expectation has fueled much of the week’s optimism, with many hoping the easing trend will continue into the new year.

For now, the focus is on today’s close: 1:00 p.m. ET. After the bell rings, attention will shift to next week’s data releases, Fed commentary, and the evolving outlook for U.S. equities.

To recap: the U.S. stock market closes at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time today, November 28, 2025, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Traders and investors should adjust their strategies and expectations accordingly.

Today’s early close is more than a calendar quirk—it’s a microcosm of how tradition, policy, and sentiment intersect on Wall Street. The shortened session tests investor discipline and adaptability, reminding us that timing and context are as crucial as analysis itself.