Brazil Stock Exchange Operating Hours in 2024: What Has Changed?

The Brazilian capital markets are undergoing significant adjustments to their operational calendar for 2024. Investors active on B3 need to stay updated on schedule changes and closing periods to avoid missing strategic trading opportunities.

History and Evolution of the Brazil Stock Exchange Operating Hours

Since its founding in 1890, when it operated as a Free Stock Exchange, B3 — Brazil Stock Exchange — has undergone various operational transformations. The most recent major reform occurred in 2017, resulting from the merger between São Paulo Stock, Commodities, and Futures Exchange (BM&FBOVESPA) and the Central Securities Depository and Clearinghouse (CETIP), consolidating the structure we know today.

Currently, B3 allows trading of securities and shares from over 400 registered Brazilian companies. The operating hours of the Brazil stock exchange have followed a standard since 2022, operating Monday through Friday during business hours, respecting Brasília time zone.

Operation Schedule: Pre-market, Main Trading Session, and After Market

The daily routine of the exchange is divided into three distinct periods:

Pre-market Period: Starts 15 minutes before the official trading session, operating between 9:45 and 10:00. During this interval, B3 records orders issued after the previous session’s close, preparing the system for trading.

Main Trading Session: From Monday to Friday, operations occur between 10:00 and 17:00 (Brasília time). This is the period of highest liquidity and trading volume on B3. The Brazil stock exchange uses this interval to centralize most market transactions.

After Market: Operates between 17:30 and 18:00, allowing trading of certain assets after official close. However, this period is influenced by the US daylight saving time and operates with specific restrictions defined by the Brazil stock exchange.

Changes in Closing Time: Impact of US Daylight Saving Time

From November 6, 2023, to March 10, 2024, the closing time of the Brazil stock exchange has been shifted to 6:00 PM. This change results directly from synchronization with US daylight saving time, which influences the trading of various Brazilian market securities.

Starting March 11, 2024, the operating hours of the Brazil stock exchange return to the previous pattern: closing at 5:00 PM and resuming after market from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This change coincides with the end of US daylight saving time on March 10, highlighting the interdependence between global financial markets.

Holidays Affecting the Brazil Stock Exchange Operating Hours in 2024

The 2024 operational calendar includes national holidays when B3 will be closed. Municipal holidays, such as São Paulo City Day, do not affect operations. Check the closure periods:

*On Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2024), there will be a continuous trading session from 1:00 PM to 5:55 PM, with pre-opening from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM. For financial derivatives and commodities, trading opens at 1:00 PM (with pre-opening from 12:55 PM to 1:00 PM). The organized OTC market will operate from 1:00 PM to 5:55 PM, with all assets closing from 5:55 PM to 6:00 PM.

**On December 31, B3 will be closed due to internal banking operations.

International Holidays and Their Effect on B3

International holidays, when not coinciding with Brazilian holidays, do not directly affect the operating hours of the Brazil stock exchange. B3 remains operational during these periods, although trading flow may vary due to reduced participation from foreign investors.

Impacts of Changes on the Dynamics of the Financial Market

Changes in the operating hours of the Brazil stock exchange reflect a broader reality: the integration of global financial markets. Brazilian and foreign investors should monitor these changes carefully.

Synchronization between US and Brazilian exchanges occurs due to multiple interconnected factors. Global investment funds, exchange rate fluctuations, and commodity volatility — such as oil and metals — directly influence trading on B3. This interdependence requires constant adjustment of the exchange’s operating hours.

Maintaining data synchronization and ensuring aligned schedules not only preserves international investors’ confidence in the Brazilian market but also guarantees fair opportunities for local participants. Therefore, investors should regularly consult B3’s official channels to confirm any changes to the Brazil stock exchange’s operating hours before executing trades.

Plan your portfolio considering these periods and do not let deadlines expire due to lack of attention to B3’s operational calendar.