When Does the B3 Stock Exchange Open in 2024? Complete Guide to Schedules and Holidays

If you invest in B3, it is essential to understand when the stock exchange opens and its operating periods throughout the year. The Brazil Stock Exchange has undergone significant reforms, and in 2024 it maintains a specific calendar that every investor should follow to avoid missing trading opportunities.

History and Evolution of B3

The history of the Brazilian stock exchange dates back to 1890, when it was called Bolsa Livre. Over the years, the market has undergone various transformations to adapt to national and international commercial standards. The major change occurred in 2017, with the merger between São Paulo Stock, Commodities, and Futures Exchange (BM&FBOVESPA) and the Central Depository and Clearing House for Securities (CETIP), creating the current structure of B3. This process consolidated the exchange as the main institution for trading securities and shares of over 400 Brazilian companies.

When the Stock Exchange Opens: Standard Operating Hours

Since 2022, the opening of the B3 stock exchange follows a consistent pattern. Operations occur from Monday to Friday, during regular trading hours, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Brasília time. This period is considered the main trading session, where most transactions take place.

In addition to the regular trading session, there are important additional periods:

Pre-market: Happens 15 minutes before the official start of operations, between 9:45 AM and 10:00 AM. During this interval, the exchange records orders issued after the previous trading session closed.

After market: Trading period after regular hours, when some assets can be traded between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. This schedule is influenced by the US daylight saving time and may not operate during certain periods of the year, also with specific restrictions according to B3 regulations.

Time Changes in 2024

The year 2024 features an important change in B3’s calendar. Until March 10, the stock exchange operates with extended hours, closing at 6:00 PM instead of the usual 5:00 PM. This extension occurs during the US daylight saving period, which directly influences some trades in the Brazilian market.

Starting March 11, 2024, the stock exchange returns to the previous standard hours, closing at 5:00 PM. The after market resumes operating from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This change coincides with the end of US daylight saving time on March 10, reaffirming synchronization between the markets.

National Holidays Affecting the Stock Exchange in 2024

The 2024 calendar includes holidays that impact B3’s operation. Investors should be aware of the following closure periods:

• January 1 (Monday): New Year’s Day
• February 12 and 13 (Monday and Tuesday): Carnival (with partial operation on Ash Wednesday, February 14, from 1:00 PM to 5:55 PM)
• March 29 (Friday): Good Friday
• May 1 (Wednesday): Labor Day
• May 30 (Thursday): Corpus Christi
• November 15 (Friday): Proclamation of the Republic
• December 25 (Wednesday): Christmas
• December 31 (Tuesday): B3 does not open due to internal banking institution procedures

Local holidays, such as São Paulo City Day, do not affect the exchange operations, as trading continues normally on those days.

Impact of Changes on Financial Markets

The synchronization between the Brazilian stock exchange and international markets, especially the US market, reflects the global nature of contemporary investments. Changes in hours and calendars are made to ensure efficient interconnection between exchanges, considering factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, commodity price variations, and global fund movements.

Investors need to stay updated on when the stock exchange opens and its operating periods to avoid missing deadlines and opportunities. The confidence of international investors in the Brazilian market depends on this synchronization and reliable data transmission between markets.

Always follow the official channels of B3 to confirm schedules and special dates, ensuring your operations are executed safely and within the established deadlines.