However, because the extra day—February 29—falls on a weekend for the foreseeable future, the total number of trading days usually remains at 252. While there are ten distinct holiday observances, the combination of Good Friday with other observances and the market's closure on the day following Christmas if it falls on a weekend results in the consistent 252-day annual total.
Standard Annual Trading Days Calculation Method
These occurrences are infrequent, but financial software and algorithms must account for them to ensure accuracy in settlement and reporting. Furthermore, the trading length within those days can vary; while the standard US session runs from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, some international markets have shorter or longer sessions, affecting the total liquidity available.
Beyond the Numbers: Market Reality. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Standard Annual Trading Days Calculation Method
On the rare occasion that February 29 falls on a weekday and is not a market holiday, the year will contain 253 trading days. Professional money managers often calculate the "daily average" return based on 252 periods.
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