Khaled Serri, head of the exchange, was quoted by the MENA state-run news agency as saying the bourse would remain shut on Sunday and Monday, with anti-government protests continuing on a daily basis since January 25.

The date for "resuming operations of the stock exchange has not been determined yet," he said, adding that it would depend on developments.

Serri said 48 hours notice would be given before trading resumes. The bourse was last open on January 27 when it closed nearly 10 percent down as the protests against President Hosni Mubarak picked up momentum.

The decision to postpone the reopening of the bourse was taken after consultations with its management, with Egypt's financial supervisory authority and representatives of traders and brokers, Serri said.

"Extraordinary measures aimed at supporting the performance of the stock market" will be announced before reopening, he said, adding that such measures were being discussed with trading parties.

He appeared to hint at measures aimed at avoiding a crash in the market, but did not disclose details.

"I am not surprised by the decision. Such delays should be expected given the current conditions," said Wael Ziada, head of research at EFG-Hermes investment bank.