When is trading in the Madrid Stock Exchange? Complete guide to the schedule

Operating Hours on the Madrid Stock Exchange

The Madrid Stock Exchange opening time marks the start of Spanish stock market operations each business day. The market begins its regular session at 9:00 am (CEST schedule), while closing occurs at 5:30 pm local time.

Why is it important to know the Madrid Stock Exchange opening time?

The Madrid Stock Exchange functions as the central platform of the SIBE (Spanish Interconnection Stock Market System), coordinating four national exchanges: Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Bilbao. This market supports the IBEX 35 index, which groups the 35 largest-cap companies in the country.

Operators and investors need to know these hours to execute transactions without limitations on the most relevant values of the Spanish economy. Major corporations such as BBVA, Banco Santander, Inditex, ACS, and Ferrovial are listed on this market with international reach.

Pre-opening and post-close sessions

Before the formal session begins, there is an opening auction that takes place between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. This phase processes unexecuted orders from the previous session along with new orders, determining the initial trading price.

After the Madrid stock exchange closes at 5:30 pm, the closing auction opens, extending until 5:35 pm. This 5-minute period allows for executing orders that did not find a counterparty during regular hours, setting a balance price.

Historical background of the Madrid Stock Exchange

The institution was founded on September 10, 1831, through the Creation Law drafted by jurist Pedro Sainz de Andino. Operations began on October 20 of the same year with trading of banks, steel companies, and railway companies.

The system was later expanded: Bilbao in 1890, Barcelona in 1915, and Valencia in 1980. Integration under the SIBE occurred in 1995, and since 2001, Bolsas y Mercados Españoles (BME) manages all operations. The IBEX 35 index was launched on January 14, 1992.

Holiday calendar and reduced sessions

The Stock Exchange publishes its official calendar annually. For 2025, non-working days include:

• January 1 (Wednesday)
• April 18 (Friday)
• April 21 (Monday)
• May 1 (Thursday)
• December 25 and 26 (Thursday and Friday)

Some days may operate with reduced sessions as determined by the operator.

Time conversion for international investors

For those operating from abroad, the Madrid Stock Exchange opening time is translated as follows according to geographic location:

These hours allow Latin American investors to plan their trading strategies according to the availability of the Spanish market.