Stock market holiday: NSE to be shut on November 20 for Maharashtra election

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced on Friday, November 8, that the stock markets will remain closed on Wednesday, November 20, due to polling in Maharashtra. The holiday comes ahead of the state’s single-phase election, which covers all 288 seats of the Maharashtra Assembly.

The announcement was made via an official circular just before the week's trading session ended. This unexpected mid-week holiday will shorten next week’s trading schedule, which is already set to be truncated due to Guru Nanak Jayanti on Friday, November 15.

This double holiday period could impact market volumes and reduce trading activity next week. Market participants are advised to adjust their trading plans accordingly, considering the two non-trading days.

Maharashtra's assembly polls, scheduled for November 20, are expected to witness significant political activity, with results influencing various sectors linked to the state’s economy. Historically, such events can bring about market volatility, although the immediate impact may be tempered due to the holiday.

Traders will resume normal operations after the mid-week break on November 21, a Thursday, before heading into the weekend. 

Investors and traders should note the changes in the trading calendar and plan their market activities to avoid any disruption. With the next full trading week starting only on November 25, this break could lead to a backlog of orders and a possible spike in volatility.

Next week’s truncated schedule includes:
- Market closed on November 15 for Guru Nanak Jayanti
- Market closed on November 20 for Maharashtra polling