U.S. Independence Day Trading Hours Update: July 3–4, 2025
Below is a detailed overview of the trading hour changes for Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4, 2025, why they matter, and practical tips to help you navigate the holiday period smoothly.
Why July 4th Matters
U.S. Independence Day on July 4th is one of the busiest summer holidays in America, commemorating the nation’s founding. To honor the holiday, U.S. exchanges either close or run abbreviated hours, which ripples through global markets—particularly equity indices, energy futures, and metals. Knowing these schedule shifts is crucial to avoid unexpected order executions, errant rollovers, or liquidity squeezes.
Updated Trading Hours (All Times GMT)
Wednesday, July 3 – Early Closes
| Asset | Closing Time |
| Nikkei Japan225 (JPN225) | 17:15 |
| S&P 500 (SPX500) | 17:15 |
| Nasdaq 100 (NAS100) | 17:15 |
| Dow Jones Industrial (US30) | 17:15 |
| U.S. Equities | 17:00 |
| DAX 40 Germany (DAX) | 20:00 |
| FTSE 100 (UK100) | 20:00 |
| All other instruments | Normal |
Thursday, July 4 – Holiday Schedule
| Asset | Closing Time |
| Nikkei Japan225 (JPN225) | 17:00 |
| S&P 500 (SPX500) | 17:00 |
| Nasdaq 100 (NAS100) | 17:00 |
| Dow Jones Industrial (US30) | 17:00 |
| U.S. Equities | Closed all day |
| DAX 40 Germany (DAX) | 20:00 |
| FTSE 100 (UK100) | 20:00 |
| WTI Crude Oil (USOIL) | 17:00 |
| Brent Crude Oil (UKOIL) | 17:30 |
| Natural Gas (NGAS) | 16:45 |
| Metals (Gold, Silver, Palladium, Copper, Platinum) | 17:00 |
| All other instruments | Normal |
Strategic Adjustments
- Check Open Positions: Audit any positions in the affected indices, energy, or metals before the early close. Decide whether to close out, roll over, or hedge via correlated instruments.
- Avoid Last-Minute Orders: Cancel or adjust pending limit and stop orders set for assets closing early—these may execute at undesirable prices. Steer clear of entering new trades within 30 minutes of the early close to avoid system-triggered closures or slippage.
- Shift to Open Markets: Focus on Forex pairs and Cryptocurrencies, which trade on regular hours. Consider European and Asian indices (DAX, FTSE, Nikkei after their early close extensions) for liquidity.
- Manage Commodity and Metals Exposure: If you trade energy or metals, note their unique close times—briefer sessions can compress volatility into fewer hours. Scale down position size to avoid outsized moves in thinly traded periods.
Best Practices for Holiday Trading
- Tighten Risk Controls: Use narrower stop-loss levels to account for thinner liquidity and potential gaps.
- Monitor Spreads: Bid-ask spreads can widen as the early close approaches; confirm real-time quotes before execution.
- Plan Around Data Releases: U.S. economic data won’t publish July 4, but international releases can still move markets.
- Stay Informed: Follow live news feeds for holiday-specific updates or emergency platform maintenance notices.
By proactively reviewing this schedule, adjusting open orders, and shifting focus to markets that remain active, you can maintain control over your exposures and capitalize on unique holiday trading dynamics. If you have questions or need assistance, our Support Team is here to help. Trade smart, and enjoy a safe Independence Day!
