In a notable occurrence for the Indian financial markets, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are fully operational today, March 4, 2026, despite the nationwide celebration of Holi. According to the official holiday calendar released by the exchanges at the beginning of the year, the designated holiday for Holi was observed on March 3, 2026. Consequently, regular trading activities have resumed today across all segments, including equity, debt, and derivatives.
Official Trading Hours and Schedule
As per the official notification from the exchanges, the market followed its standard operating procedure today. The pre-open session commenced at 9:00 AM and concluded at 9:08 AM, followed by the commencement of the continuous trading session at 9:15 AM. Trading will continue until the scheduled closing time of 3:30 PM. The post-closing session will be held from 3:40 PM to 4:00 PM. Exchange officials have confirmed that all clearing and settlement systems are functioning normally to facilitate smooth transactions during the festival day.
MCX and Commodity Market Operations
The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) is also open for trading on March 4, 2026. Unlike some holidays where only the evening session is operational, today the commodity market is functioning in both the morning and evening sessions. The morning session started at 9:00 AM and will run until 5:00 PM, while the evening session will begin at 5:00 PM and conclude at either 11:30 PM or 11:55 PM, depending on the specific commodity contracts. Trading in agricultural commodities is also available during the designated morning hours as per the standard schedule.
Recap of Previous Trading Session
The market opening today follows a period of significant volatility. 37% in early trade due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and global economic concerns. 85.70. Today's market movement is being closely monitored against the backdrop of these recent losses and ongoing geopolitical developments.
Impact on Market Capitalization
The recent downturn in the equity markets has led to a substantial erosion of investor wealth. 19 crore. Analysts note that while the markets are open today, the trading volume might be lower than average as many retail and institutional participants observe the festival. However, the automated trading systems and high-frequency trading platforms continue to provide liquidity to the market.
Influence of Global Market Trends
The performance of the Indian indices today is being influenced by cues from international markets. Volatility in the US markets and mixed signals from Asian peers, including the Nikkei and Hang Seng, are providing the primary direction for Sensex and Nifty. Also, the movement of crude oil prices and the US Dollar index remains a critical factor for the Indian markets. According to market data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) are maintaining a cautious stance as they assess the impact of global geopolitical shifts on emerging market assets.