Market regulator Sebi is looking into suggestions for extending stock market trading hours till at least 5 pm, sources said.
The stock market in India currently opens at 9 am and closes at 3.30 pm, but there is a view -- including among stock exchanges -- that the trade hours could be extended to better align domestic trading with global markets.
Before taking a final decision, Sebi will take into account inputs from the government and the RBI, after which a consultation paper may be issued for all the stakeholders concerned for any change to the trade timings.
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At present, the markets also have 15 minutes each of pre-open and post-closing sessions within the overall schedule of 9 am to 3.30 pm. Last time, the trade timings were changed in 2009 when opening time was changed from 9.45 am to 9 am.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), in October 2009, had permitted the stock exchanges to set the trading hours between 9 am to 5 pm.
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