Is the stock market open Presidents Day 2026? No. U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, are closed on Presidents Day, which falls on Monday, February 16, 2026. The closure follows the official federal holiday schedule observed annually by major U.S. exchanges.
Investors often search for holiday trading hours, especially during long weekends. Presidents Day remains one of the standard full-day market closures each year.
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Is the Stock Market Open on Presidents Day 2026?
The stock market is closed on Presidents Day.
On Monday, February 16, 2026:
- NYSE: Closed
- Nasdaq: Closed
- U.S. bond markets: Closed
- Over-the-counter markets: Closed
Trading resumes on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during normal market hours.
The regular trading session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Why the Stock Market Closes on Presidents Day
The holiday honors President George Washington and, over time, has come to recognize all U.S. presidents.
The NYSE and Nasdaq follow a holiday schedule that aligns closely with federal holidays. Presidents Day has long been included in that schedule.
Full 2026 U.S. Stock Market Holiday Schedule
Here are the confirmed full-day market holidays for 2026:
| Holiday | Date | Market Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Closed |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 | Closed |
| Presidents Day | February 16, 2026 | Closed |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Closed |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 | Closed |
| Independence Day (Observed) | July 3, 2026 | Closed |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | Closed |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Closed |
Markets may also close early on certain days, such as the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve when applicable.
What Happens to Trading Orders on Presidents Day?
Because exchanges close entirely, no regular trading occurs on Presidents Day.
Here’s how it affects investors:
- Market orders placed during the holiday execute when markets reopen.
- Limit orders remain pending until trading resumes.
- Automatic dividend reinvestments process once markets reopen.
Electronic trading platforms remain accessible for viewing accounts and placing future orders. However, no trade execution occurs during the closure.
Are International Markets Open?
While U.S. markets close, some international markets remain open.
Market schedules vary by country. Investors trading global securities should check the specific exchange calendar for each region.
For example:
- European exchanges may remain open.
- Asian markets typically follow their own national holiday calendars.
U.S.-listed ETFs and mutual funds tied to international markets still cannot trade while U.S. exchanges are closed.
Impact on Bond Markets and Banks
Bond markets also close on Presidents Day.
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) designates the U.S. bond market holiday schedule, which aligns with stock market closures on this date.
Banks generally close because Presidents Day is a federal banking holiday. However, ATMs and online banking services remain operational.
Does Presidents Day Affect After-Hours Trading?
After-hours trading sessions typically occur:
- 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET (after market close)
- 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET (pre-market)
On Presidents Day, no regular or extended trading sessions occur.
All trading resumes during pre-market hours on Tuesday morning.
Historical Context of Presidents Day Market Closures
The NYSE has observed Presidents Day closures for decades.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, enacted in 1968, shifted several federal holidays to Mondays. Washington’s Birthday moved to the third Monday in February beginning in 1971.
Stock exchanges adjusted their calendars accordingly.
Since then, Presidents Day has remained a standard full-day closure.
Common Investor Questions
Is the stock market open Presidents Day every year?
No. U.S. stock markets close every year on Presidents Day.
Do cryptocurrency markets close?
No. Cryptocurrency markets operate 24/7, including Presidents Day.
Are futures markets open?
Certain futures markets may have modified schedules. However, many U.S. futures contracts observe holiday closures or limited hours.
Investors should verify futures trading schedules with their brokerage.
How Investors Prepare for Holiday Closures
Experienced investors often plan around holiday market closures.
Preparation strategies include:
- Reviewing open positions before the long weekend
- Managing stop-loss orders
- Avoiding last-minute trades before early closures
- Monitoring global economic developments
Long weekends can sometimes increase volatility when markets reopen.
News events that occur during closures may influence Tuesday morning trading activity.
Economic Data Releases and Presidents Day
Federal government offices close on Presidents Day.
As a result, most federal economic data releases do not occur on that date.
Reports scheduled for Monday typically shift to later in the week.
This scheduling adjustment can affect short-term market expectations.
How Presidents Day Fits Into Market Seasonality
Presidents Day falls early in the calendar year.
Historically, February trading patterns vary. Market performance depends on broader economic conditions rather than the holiday itself.
The closure simply pauses trading activity for one day.
Investors should not expect special volatility directly caused by the holiday.
Differences Between Stock Market and Retail Operations
Many retail stores operate normally on Presidents Day.
Retail promotions often coincide with the holiday weekend.
However, the stock market’s schedule follows federal observances, not retail business practices.
This difference sometimes creates confusion for new investors.
Key Takeaways for 2026
- The stock market is closed Monday, February 16, 2026.
- Trading resumes Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- Bond markets also close.
- Cryptocurrency markets remain open.
- Orders placed during closure execute after reopening.
Understanding holiday schedules helps investors avoid confusion and manage expectations.
Looking Ahead
After Presidents Day, the next scheduled full market closure in 2026 is Good Friday on April 3.
Investors can review official exchange calendars each year to track holiday schedules.
Staying aware of closures supports better trade timing and portfolio planning.
The stock market open Presidents Day question comes up every February, but the answer remains consistent: U.S. markets close in observance of the federal holiday. Planning ahead ensures smooth trading when markets resume.
Are you adjusting your investment strategy around holiday trading schedules this year? Share your approach and stay informed about upcoming market closures.
