When does the Madrid Stock Exchange open? Complete guide to hours and operation

Introduction: The Importance of Knowing When the Stock Exchange Opens

For any investor wishing to participate in the Spanish markets, it is essential to understand how the Madrid Stock Exchange operates. This institution is the main driver of stock market activity in Spain and consolidates the operations of the country’s most relevant companies. Knowing precisely when the stock exchange opens and its trading hours is crucial for executing investment strategies smoothly.

What is the SIBE and How Is It Related to the Madrid Stock Exchange?

It is important to clarify that although “the Madrid Stock Exchange” is commonly referred to as a single market, there is actually the (Spanish Interconnection System of Stock Exchanges) (SIBE), which integrates four stock markets: the Madrid Stock Exchange, the Barcelona Stock Exchange, the Valencia Stock Exchange, and the Bilbao Stock Exchange. This interconnection system, established from 1995, allows for coordinated management of stock market activity across Spain.

Trading Hours: When Does the Madrid Stock Exchange Open and Close?

The regular trading session at the Madrid Stock Exchange follows this schedule:

Regular Session Hours (Monday to Friday)

Times indicated in CEST (Central European Summer Time)

On Saturdays and Sundays, the Madrid Stock Exchange remains closed, with no trading activity during these days.

What Happens During Opening and Closing Auctions?

When the stock exchange opens through the opening auction (8:30 am to 9:00 am), all pending orders from the previous session along with new orders received during this period are processed. The system determines an equilibrium price that sets the starting point for the trading day.

The closing auction (5:30 pm to 5:35 pm) works similarly: it consolidates unexecuted orders during the regular session and establishes a closing price that balances residual supply and demand.

The IBEX 35 Index: The Market Thermometer of Spain

The Madrid Stock Exchange is the venue where the IBEX 35, Spain’s main stock market index, is listed. This index groups the 35 companies with the largest market capitalization, including renowned financial institutions, leading international construction firms, and major retail companies.

Historical Background: From 1831 to Today

The Madrid Stock Exchange was established on September 10, 1831, beginning its operational activity on October 20 of the same year. In its early sessions, mainly bank stocks, steel companies, and railways were traded. Later, other markets were created: Bilbao in 1890, Barcelona in 1915, and Valencia in 1980. The integration of these four markets into the SIBE occurred in 1995, and in 2001, Bolsas y Mercados Españoles (BME) took over its comprehensive management.

Holiday Calendar for 2025

The Madrid Stock Exchange will be closed on the following dates in 2025:

• Wednesday, January 1
• Friday, April 18
• Monday, April 21
• Thursday, May 1
• Thursday, December 25
• Friday, December 26

Additionally, there may be half-day sessions with reduced hours as determined by the regulatory authority.

Time Correspondence from Major Spanish-Speaking Cities

For investors located in Latin America and the Caribbean, here are the local opening times:

Next Steps to Start Trading

If you want to participate in the Madrid Stock Exchange, the process is simple:

1. Register on a regulated trading platform
2. Deposit the initial funds
3. Start trading when the market opens