What are the ASX Trading Hours & Market Holidays [2025]

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is the primary stock market for Australian investors, playing a crucial role in the country’s financial landscape. For those looking to invest or trade shares, understanding the ASX trading hours and market holidays is essential to make informed decisions and manage investments effectively. The ASX operates on Sydney time and follows a consistent schedule, but it also observes several public holidays throughout the year when the market is closed.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the ASX trading hours, market holidays for 2025, and practical tips for buying ASX stocks, making it a valuable resource for Australian investors aiming to navigate the market smoothly.

What is the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)?

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is Australia’s primary securities exchange, headquartered in Sydney. It was formed in its current structure in 2006 through the merger of the Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange.

The ASX operates as a market operator, clearing house, and payments facilitator, providing a platform for trading shares, derivatives, bonds, and other financial products.

Beyond operating as a stock exchange, the ASX provides a comprehensive suite of services for both corporations and investors. For companies, it offers avenues to raise capital through initial public offerings (IPOs) and other listing services. For investors, it ensures a transparent and regulated environment for secondary market trading.

Additionally, the ASX oversees the listing rules and coordinates with external regulators, such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), to maintain market integrity.

What are the ASX trading hours?

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) operates on a well-defined schedule that allows investors to trade shares and other securities during specific hours on business days.

Understanding the ASX trading hours is important for Australian investors to know when they can place orders, participate in auctions, and manage their trading activities effectively. The ASX trading day includes several phases, starting with a pre-open period, followed by normal trading, and ending with a closing auction.

Below is a summary table of the key ASX trading hours and market phases in 2025, all given in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST):

The ASX does not close for lunch during normal trading hours and operates Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays.

What days will the ASX stock market close in 2025?

The ASX observes several public holidays throughout the year when the market is closed. Knowing these market holidays helps investors plan their trading activities and avoid attempting to trade on days when the exchange is not operational.

In 2025, the ASX will be closed on key national public holidays as well as some special early closing days around Christmas and New Year.

Here is the list of ASX market holidays in 2025 when the exchange will be closed:

On the early close days (December 24 and December 31), normal trading ceases at 2:10 pm Sydney time. Apart from these dates, the ASX operates Monday through Friday during standard trading hours except for these holidays.

How to buy ASX stocks with moomoo?

Buying ASX stocks with moomoo is a straightforward and cost-effective way for Australian investors to access the stock market. Moomoo offers a user-friendly platform that combines powerful trading tools with competitive fees, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Whether you want to invest in well-known companies or explore a wide range of ETFs, moomoo provides direct access to over 7,500 ASX stocks and ETFs, all with transparent pricing and strong regulatory backing.

Why choose moomoo AU to buy ASX stocks?

• Competitive and transparent pricing: Trading ASX shares starts from just $3 or 0.03% of the transaction value per trade, with no hidden fees, no subscription fees, and no inactivity charges.

• CHESS-sponsored trading: Your shares are held under your own Holder Identification Number (HIN), giving you direct ownership recorded by the ASX, which adds an extra layer of security and transparency.

• Regulated and trusted: Moomoo is regulated in Australia (AFSL no. 224663) and backed by Nasdaq-listed parent company Futu Holdings, ensuring compliance with strict financial standards.

• Advanced trading tools: The platform offers real-time market data, AI-powered analytics, watchlists, and educational resources to help you make informed investment decisions.

• Wide market access: Besides ASX stocks and ETFs, moomoo also offers trading in US, Hong Kong, and other international markets, all from one account.

Step-by-step guide on how to buy ASX stocks with moomoo

Step 1: Opening an account

Download the moomoo app or visit the moomoo website and register using your phone number or email. Complete the account opening process by providing your personal details and verifying your identity.

Step 2: Funding your account

Once you've logged into your account, go to the "Deposit" section and choose your preferred payment method, such as a bank transfer. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully to complete the process and make sure the funds are properly added to your moomoo account.

Step 3: Searching for ASX stocks

Use the search function to find the ASX stocks or ETFs you want to buy. You can explore popular stocks, add them to your watchlist, or analyze their performance using moomoo’s tools.

Step 4: Placing your order

Select the stock, enter the number of shares you want to buy, and choose your order type (market or limit order). Remember to review the details, including the estimated commission, and confirm your trade.

Step 5: Monitoring and managing your portfolio

After your purchase, your shares will be allocated a HIN and held in your name. Use moomoo’s portfolio tools to track your investments, view real-time prices, and manage your holdings.

Step 6: Learning and research

Moomoo offers extensive market data, research insights, and educational resources designed to enhance your understanding of market trends and investment approaches.

How many companies are listed on the ASX?

As of early 2025, there are approximately 1,969 companies listed on the ASX. This number includes both domestic and foreign incorporated entities, with about 1,824 domestic companies and around 145 foreign incorporated companies listed on the exchange.

In total, when including wholesale and retail debt issuers along with equity issuers, the number of all listed entities on the ASX reaches over 2,100, reflecting the broad range of securities available for trading on the platform. The ASX remains one of the largest exchanges globally, hosting a diverse mix of companies across various sectors.

For the most up-to-date information, you can explore the ASX company directory, which offers a searchable list of all currently listed companies.

ASX Trading hours summed up

Understanding what are the ASX trading hours is essential for Australian investors to effectively plan their trading activities and stay informed about when the market is open. The ASX operates from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays. Knowing these hours helps investors avoid missing trading opportunities and ensures they can manage their portfolios efficiently during active market times.

In addition to regular trading hours, it is important to be aware of the ASX market holidays in 2025 when the exchange will be closed, such as Anzac Day, Christmas, and Australia Day. By keeping track of these dates, investors can better schedule their trades and avoid attempting transactions on closed days.

FAQs about ASX trading hours

Can you buy ASX shares on the weekend?

No, you cannot buy ASX shares on the weekend. The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) operates only on weekdays, Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends and public holidays. The standard trading hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sydney time.

While you can place orders through your broker or trading platform during the weekend, these orders won't be executed until the market reopens on the next trading day. Some platforms allow you to submit limit orders outside of market hours, which will be queued and processed when trading resumes.

What time does the ASX open?

The ASX opens for normal trading at 10:00 AM Sydney time, Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays. This period, known as "normal trading," continues until 4:00 PM. During this time, buy and sell orders are continuously matched and executed.

Prior to the market opening, there's a pre-open phase starting at 7:00 AM, during which brokers can enter and amend orders. However, no trades are executed until the market officially opens.

For more detailed information on ASX trading hours and market phases, you can refer to the official ASX trading hours page.  

Does the ASX trade on public holidays?

No, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) does not operate on public holidays. On these days, trading is suspended, and no transactions are processed.