If you’re a trader or an investor, you might be wondering what time the London markets open and close. London is one of the most important financial centers in the world, and its stock exchange is one of the largest in Europe. If you’re interested in trading or investing in stocks, bonds, currencies, or commodities listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), it’s important to know when you can trade.
London Stock Exchange Trading Hours
The London Stock Exchange is open for trading from Monday to Friday, except on public holidays when it remains closed. The LSE has two main trading sessions: the morning session and the afternoon session.
Morning Session
The morning session starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 12:30 PM local time. During this session, traders can buy and sell securities such as shares, bonds, and ETFs.
Lunch Break
After the morning session ends at 12:30 PM local time, there is a lunch break for traders until 2:00 PM local time.
Afternoon Session
The afternoon session starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 4:30 PM local time. During this session, traders can continue to buy and sell securities listed on the LSE.
LSE Pre-Market Trading Hours
Apart from regular trading hours, there are also pre-market hours during which traders can place orders before the market opens. Pre-market hours start at 7:00 AM local time and end at 8:00 AM local time.
LSE After-Hours Trading Hours
Similarly, there are also after-hours trading hours during which traders can place orders after the market closes. After-hours trading hours start at 4:30 PM local time and end at 5:30 PM local time.
Conclusion
Knowing the trading hours of the London Stock Exchange is crucial if you want to trade or invest in securities listed on the LSE. The LSE is one of the largest stock exchanges in Europe, and trading hours are divided into two main sessions: the morning session and the afternoon session.
There are also pre-market and after-hours trading hours during which traders can place orders before or after regular trading hours. Make sure to keep these hours in mind when planning your trades or investments on the LSE.