Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, one of my buddies asked me about the number of holidays in the US stock market. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t trade on certain days or how many days the market actually closes, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll break it all down for you so you can plan your investments like a pro.

The US stock market, including major exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, observes a set number of holidays each year. On these days, trading is completely suspended, and the markets are closed. Typically, there are 9 official stock market holidays in a year. These holidays are pretty consistent, but they can sometimes shift slightly depending on how the dates fall. Let’s dive into the details so you’ll never be caught off guard.

What Are the US Stock Market Holidays?

The US stock market holidays are similar to federal holidays, but not all federal holidays result in market closures. For example, while Veterans Day and Columbus Day are federal holidays, the stock market remains open on those days. Here’s the full list of stock market holidays:
– New Year’s Day
– Martin Luther King Jr. Day
– Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)
– Good Friday
– Memorial Day
– Juneteenth National Independence Day
– Independence Day (4th of July)
– Labor Day
– Thanksgiving Day
– Christmas Day

Wait, that’s actually 10 holidays, right? Well, Good Friday is a bit of an exception. While the NYSE and NASDAQ are closed on Good Friday, it’s not officially counted as a stock market holiday in some references. Confusing, I know! But for planning purposes, it’s better to treat it as a market closure.

Why Does the Stock Market Close on These Days?

The stock market closes on these holidays to align with national observances and to give traders, brokers, and financial professionals a break. Think about it—trading is a high-stakes, fast-paced job, and everyone deserves a day off to recharge. Plus, many of these holidays are tied to historical events or cultural significance, so it makes sense for the market to pause and reflect.

Another thing to note is that if a holiday falls on a weekend, the market will often observe it on the closest weekday. For example, if Christmas Day is on a Saturday, the market will likely close on the preceding Friday. This ensures consistency and avoids confusion.

What Happens If a Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

Great question! If a holiday falls on a weekend, the stock market will adjust its schedule. For instance, if Independence Day (July 4th) falls on a Saturday, the market will close on the Friday before. Similarly, if it falls on a Sunday, the market will close on the following Monday. This rule ensures that traders don’t miss out on a holiday or get stuck working on a day that’s meant for celebration.

It’s also worth mentioning that some holidays, like Juneteenth, were recently added to the list. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, and the stock market quickly followed suit by closing on that day. So, the list of stock market holidays can evolve over time as new observances are recognized.

To sum it up, the US stock market typically observes 9 to 10 holidays each year, depending on how you count Good Friday. These closures are essential for maintaining a balanced work environment in the financial world and aligning with national celebrations.

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helps you fully understand the US stock market holidays. If you have more questions about trading schedules or other financial topics, feel free to reach out to us. Happy investing, and don’t forget to mark those market closures on your calendar!