The question “is the stock market open on December 26” becomes increasingly common every year as investors, traders, and everyday savers prepare for the holiday season. With Christmas festivities wrapping up, many people wonder whether they can still buy or sell stocks the day after Christmas. As of Friday, December 26, 2025, the U.S. financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ, are open for normal trading hours.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about trading activity, global exchange statuses, current market performance, and how the year-end trading season is shaping up in the U.S. and abroad.
Table of Contents
U.S. Stock Market Status on December 26, 2025
The U.S. stock market is open today, December 26, 2025. Since Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25) was the official holiday, both the NYSE and NASDAQ were closed then but have resumed normal trading the next day.
- NYSE Trading Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
- NASDAQ Trading Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
- U.S. Bond Market: Open but with an early close at 2:00 p.m. ET
Trading is expected to be lighter than average, as many professional traders, analysts, and institutional investors extend their holidays through the weekend. However, lighter volumes sometimes lead to short-term volatility or unexpected market swings, particularly in tech and energy sectors.
Current Market Conditions and Investor Sentiment
As the final trading week of 2025 unfolds, investors are cautiously optimistic. Major indexes, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and NASDAQ Composite, have all posted gains over the past week, supported by encouraging inflation data and a stable interest rate outlook from the Federal Reserve.
The Fed’s last meeting of 2025 indicated that rate cuts could come in early 2026, sparking positive sentiment across equity markets. As a result, the Dow remains near record highs, and the NASDAQ continues to show strong momentum thanks to robust performance in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor, and cloud computing stocks.
Market Snapshot (as of 11:00 a.m. ET, December 26, 2025)
| Index | Current Level | Change | Year-to-Date (YTD) Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones Industrial Average | 39,870 | +0.25% | +12.7% |
| S&P 500 | 5,152 | +0.30% | +14.2% |
| NASDAQ Composite | 17,660 | +0.44% | +18.6% |
Data reflects approximate live levels for publication purposes.
The combination of easing inflation, resilient consumer spending, and strong tech earnings continues to fuel investor optimism as 2025 comes to a close.
Global Markets on December 26, 2025
While the U.S. stock market is open, many global exchanges remain closed for Boxing Day, a public holiday in several countries. Here’s a quick look at which markets are open and closed today:
| Country | Exchange | Status on Dec 26, 2025 | Holiday Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | London Stock Exchange (LSE) | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Canada | Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Australia | ASX | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Hong Kong | HKEX | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Singapore | SGX | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Japan | Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) | Open | Normal Trading |
| India | Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) | Open | Normal Trading |
The closures across Europe, Australia, and Canada contribute to thinner liquidity in global markets today. U.S. stocks may experience lower trading volumes due to the absence of cross-border institutional participation.
Boxing Day and Its Impact on Markets
Boxing Day, observed on December 26, is a major holiday in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations. Traditionally, it’s a day of rest, shopping, and family gatherings—similar to Black Friday in the U.S. Because of this, many exchanges remain closed, resulting in decreased international trading activity.
In contrast, the United States does not recognize Boxing Day as a federal holiday, allowing Wall Street and most businesses to resume normal operations. However, even with markets open, trading tends to be subdued as both retail and institutional investors extend their Christmas holidays.
Historical Trading Patterns After Christmas
Historically, the trading session following Christmas tends to be calm and positive. Many analysts refer to this period as part of the “Santa Claus Rally”—a seven-day window that includes the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the new year.
Over the last 20 years, the S&P 500 has finished this period higher nearly 80% of the time, averaging about 1.3% in gains. The rally is often attributed to:
- Optimistic investor sentiment going into the new year
- Tax-loss harvesting wrapping up
- Lighter trading volume leading to smoother upward moves
Whether the pattern holds in 2025 remains to be seen, but the stage appears set for continued optimism heading into 2026.
Why Lower Volume Can Still Move Markets
Even though fewer trades occur around Christmas week, price swings can become more pronounced due to lower liquidity. Here’s why:
- Fewer participants mean each trade can have a greater effect on prices.
- Institutional players may not be active, leading to less market-making volume.
- Retail traders may dominate trading, often leading to momentum-based moves.
- Algorithmic trading systems continue operating, which can amplify short-term volatility.
That said, these swings are typically short-lived, and most professional investors view the week between Christmas and New Year’s as an opportunity to review portfolios and set positions for the year ahead.
Sector Highlights for December 26, 2025
Several sectors are in focus today:
- Technology:
Semiconductor and AI-related companies continue to dominate market momentum. Stocks such as NVIDIA, AMD, and Microsoft remain strong performers. With growing optimism for continued AI expansion in 2026, tech remains the leading sector by market capitalization. - Energy:
Oil prices have stabilized around $78 per barrel, with modest demand increases projected for early 2026. Energy equities have maintained steady performance after a volatile midyear. - Financials:
Banks are benefiting from a stable interest rate environment. Investor confidence is growing after strong Q4 results from major U.S. institutions, signaling a potential turnaround in lending activity next year. - Consumer Discretionary:
Retail stocks are riding high post-holiday, with early sales data from Christmas week showing stronger-than-expected spending. E-commerce platforms, in particular, are reporting double-digit growth.
The Role of Economic Data This Week
Because of the holidays, most government economic releases are delayed until the following week. However, traders continue to monitor:
- Consumer Confidence Index (due December 27)
- Initial Jobless Claims (due December 30)
- Pending Home Sales Report (due December 31)
These reports will help investors gauge the U.S. economy’s momentum heading into 2026. Early forecasts suggest that inflation is stabilizing around 2.4%, near the Fed’s target range, which could support gradual rate reductions next year.
Bond Market Update: Early Close and Low Volume
The U.S. bond market is open but will close early at 2:00 p.m. ET. Shortened sessions often bring reduced liquidity and wider bid-ask spreads, particularly in longer-dated Treasuries. Despite the shortened schedule, yields remain stable, reflecting investor confidence in the Fed’s current policy stance.
As of mid-morning:
- 10-Year Treasury Yield: 3.88%
- 2-Year Treasury Yield: 4.16%
- 30-Year Treasury Yield: 4.02%
Fixed-income investors are largely holding steady positions through the year-end, awaiting fresh signals from early 2026 economic data.
Cryptocurrency and Forex Markets on December 26, 2025
Unlike traditional stock exchanges, cryptocurrency and forex markets remain open 24/7, even during holidays. Bitcoin and Ethereum have both gained modestly this week, reflecting growing interest from institutional investors.
- Bitcoin (BTC): $74,200 (+1.8%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $3,950 (+1.1%)
The U.S. dollar index (DXY) has been steady near 102.3, suggesting a balanced sentiment across global currencies as investors await key central bank updates in January.
How Retail Investors Can Make the Most of Holiday Trading
Even in low-volume sessions like December 26, there are strategic moves investors can consider:
- Rebalance portfolios: Adjust equity-bond ratios to align with 2026 goals.
- Harvest tax losses: Take advantage of offsetting gains before year-end.
- Set stop-loss orders: Limit downside risk in volatile or thinly traded markets.
- Avoid overtrading: Resist the urge to chase short-term moves in low liquidity.
- Research 2026 opportunities: Review analyst forecasts and sector outlooks.
Remember: Smart investors use the post-holiday lull for planning, not speculation.
Upcoming Market Closures and Key Dates
- December 31, 2025: Regular trading day
- January 1, 2026: Markets closed for New Year’s Day
- January 2, 2026: Trading resumes as normal
- January 20, 2026: Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No additional closures are expected for the remainder of the year, though the bond market may observe shortened sessions depending on liquidity conditions.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Market Outlook
Economists project that 2026 will start on stable footing. With the Fed signaling potential rate cuts and inflation easing, corporate earnings could accelerate again in Q1. The technology and healthcare sectors remain the top picks for growth-oriented investors.
However, geopolitical tensions, global trade dynamics, and upcoming U.S. elections could still inject uncertainty into the markets. For now, the end of 2025 is closing on a strong, optimistic note, setting the stage for another year of strategic opportunity on Wall Street.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. stock market is open on December 26, 2025.
- Global exchanges in countries observing Boxing Day are closed.
- Trading volume is lighter than usual, but sentiment remains positive.
- Major indices are near record highs as investors look toward 2026.
- The bond market closes early at 2:00 p.m. ET.
So, if you’re wondering “is the stock market open on December 26,” the answer is yes — and although activity may be slower, it’s still an important day for portfolio review, year-end adjustments, and strategic positioning.
FAQs
1. Is the stock market open on December 26, 2025?
Yes. The NYSE and NASDAQ are open for normal trading hours on December 26, 2025.
2. Why are some international markets closed today?
Many countries, such as the U.K., Canada, and Australia, observe Boxing Day, so their exchanges remain closed.
3. What are today’s U.S. bond market hours?
The bond market closes early at 2:00 p.m. ET due to the holiday schedule.
4. How do low trading volumes affect the market?
Low volume can cause wider price swings but often results in more stable overall performance by the end of the week.
5. When will the next market holiday occur?
The next closure is on New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026), with normal trading resuming the following day.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Market schedules and data are subject to change by official exchanges or governing bodies. Always confirm trading hours and financial decisions with verified, up-to-date sources before acting on any investment information.