Editorial note: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Always verify market holiday schedules directly with NYSE, NASDAQ, or CME Group before making decisions dependent on settlement timing. Last updated: May 20, 2026.
U.S. stock markets (NYSE and NASDAQ) observe a set of federal and market holidays each year when trading is suspended. Understanding when markets are closed helps traders, investors, and market watchers plan around settlement timing, options expiration, and data release schedules.
2026 NYSE and NASDAQ Holiday Schedule
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day of Week | Market Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Full closure |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 | Monday | Full closure |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16, 2026 | Monday | Full closure |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday | Full closure |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 | Monday | Full closure |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19, 2026 | Friday | Full closure |
| Independence Day (observed) | July 3, 2026 | Friday | Full closure |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | Monday | Full closure |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 | Thursday | Full closure |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27, 2026 | Friday | Early close 1:00 PM ET (traditional) |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Full closure |
Always verify: NYSE at nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars and NASDAQ at nasdaq.com.
Standard U.S. Stock Market Trading Hours
| Session | Time (ET) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-market trading | 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET | Lower liquidity; wider spreads typical |
| Regular trading session | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET | Full NYSE and NASDAQ trading |
| After-hours trading | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET | Lower liquidity; price discovery continues |
CME Futures Holiday Schedule
CME Group futures markets operate nearly 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, but observe trading halts on certain holidays. CME schedules differ from NYSE and NASDAQ. S&P 500 futures (ES), Nasdaq futures (NQ), and commodity futures all follow CME-specific rules. Verify at cmegroup.com.
Why Market Holidays Matter
- Settlement timing: Stock trades now settle in T+1 (one business day). Holidays extend settlement timelines, affecting when you receive cash from a sale.
- Options expiration: Standard options expire on the third Friday of each month. If a Friday is a market holiday, expiration moves to Thursday. Verify with the exchange.
- Economic data releases: Government agencies typically do not release economic reports on market holidays. Data releases scheduled for holiday weeks sometimes shift to adjacent days.
- Volume and liquidity: Days preceding or following a holiday often have lower-than-average volume due to reduced institutional participation.
Bond Market (SIFMA) Holiday Schedule
The U.S. bond market follows the SIFMA recommended holiday schedule, which is similar to but not always identical to stock market holidays. The SIFMA calendar is available at sifma.org.
Related EskiSignal Guides
- Earnings Calendar 2026: Key Report Dates
- This Week in Markets: Upcoming Earnings and Events
- Economic Calendar: CPI, Jobs, FOMC and Data Releases
FAQ
Is the stock market open on Memorial Day 2026?
No. NYSE and NASDAQ are closed on Memorial Day, Monday May 25, 2026. Futures markets may have modified hours. Verify with NYSE and CME.
Is the stock market closed on Good Friday 2026?
Yes. Good Friday, April 3, 2026, is a full stock market closure for NYSE and NASDAQ. It is one of only a few religious holidays observed by U.S. stock exchanges.
Is this financial advice?
No. This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify holiday schedules with your broker and the official exchange before making decisions that depend on settlement timing.
Sources checked: NYSE market hours and holiday calendar (nyse.com), NASDAQ holiday schedule (nasdaq.com), CME Group holiday calendar (cmegroup.com), SIFMA US holiday archive (sifma.org), SEC settlement rules (sec.gov).
