India’s primary stock exchanges, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE), will remain closed on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, due to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections. Trading across equity, derivatives, and securities lending and borrowing (SLB) segments will be suspended for the day.
The decision aligns with the state government’s declaration of a public holiday to facilitate voter turnout for the elections across 288 constituencies. Vote counting is scheduled for November 23, 2024, with results expected later that day.
Impact on Commodity Markets
The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will remain closed during its morning session, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, evening trading will proceed from 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM for non-agricultural commodities, with select agricultural commodities trading until 9:00 PM. The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will close entirely on November 20, advancing the expiration of contracts scheduled for that day to the previous trading session.
Market Performance Ahead of the Holiday
In the trading session on November 18, 2024, both benchmark indices closed in the red. The BSE Sensex dropped 241.30 points, settling at 77,339.01, while the NSE Nifty fell 78.90 points, closing at 23,453. Sectoral indices, including Nifty IT, Pharma, and Healthcare, saw significant declines.
With this being the third stock market holiday in November, regular trading will resume on November 21, 2024. This schedule ensures minimal disruption while allowing stakeholders to participate in the democratic process.
 and National Stock Exchange (NSE), will remain closed on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, due to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections.){kind=link}