Is the Stock Market Open on Presidents Day?

If you logged into your brokerage account this morning hoping to make a quick trade, you likely noticed that the numbers aren’t moving. For active traders and investors, few things are more frustrating than prepping for the opening bell only to realize the markets are dark.

Confusion often surrounds federal holidays. While we know Christmas and New Year’s Day shut down the financial world, other holidays like Columbus Day or Veterans Day are partial trading days or fully open. This leads to the common question: is the stock market open on Presidents Day?

The short answer is no. But for those managing portfolios, international assets, or just wondering if the bank is open, the details matter.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Presidents Day market schedule, including banking hours, postal services, and what this holiday means for your trading week.

The Short Answer: Is the Market Open Today?

To be perfectly clear: The U.S. stock markets are closed on Presidents Day.

This applies to the major exchanges, including:

• New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
• Nasdaq

If today is a holiday falling on the third Monday of February, the equity markets are observing Washington’s Birthday (the official federal name for the holiday). There will be no regular trading hours, and extended hours trading (pre-market and after-hours) is also suspended.

If you are asking, “is the stock market closed today?” because you see zero volume on your ticker, you have your answer. You will need to wait until the next business day (Tuesday) to execute buy or sell orders for U.S. equities.

Beyond Equities: Bond Markets and International Trading

While the NYSE is dark, the financial world doesn’t stop spinning entirely. It is important to distinguish between the stock market and other asset classes.

Are Markets Open on Presidents Day for Bonds?

Generally, the U.S. bond markets follow the recommendations of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). SIFMA typically recommends a full market close for Presidents Day. This means trading in U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities (Treasuries, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds) is halted.

However, this isn’t always identical to the stock market schedule. On some holidays (like Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day), the bond market closes while the stock market remains open. On Presidents Day, however, both align with a full closure.

International Markets

It is vital to remember that Presidents Day is a U.S.-specific holiday.

• London (LSE): Open
• Tokyo (TSE): Open
• Frankfurt (DAX): Open

If you hold international ETFs or American Depository Receipts (ADRs), the underlying assets in those foreign markets are still trading, even though you cannot trade the ADRs on the U.S. exchanges until Tuesday. This can lead to “gap” openings on Tuesday morning if significant news breaks overseas on Monday.

Crypto Markets

The question “is the market open today” is irrelevant to cryptocurrency. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets trade 24/7/365. Presidents Day has no impact on the operational status of the blockchain or crypto exchanges, though you may see lower trading volumes from U.S. institutional investors enjoying the long weekend.

Are Banks Closed on Presidents Day?

Because Presidents Day is a federal holiday, it is also a bank holiday.

So, are banks closed on Presidents Day? Yes, for the most part.
The Federal Reserve is closed, which means standard banking transactions that require the Fed’s settlement systems might be delayed.

• Physical Branches: Most major brick-and-mortar banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) will lock their doors.
• Online Banking: You can still access your accounts, check balances, and schedule transfers via mobile apps and websites. However, keep in mind that transactions might not officially “post” or clear until the next business day.
• ATMs: Automated Teller Machines remain fully functional.

If you are wondering are banks closed today at your local credit union, it is safe to assume yes. However, some in-store bank branches (like those inside supermarkets) may occasionally follow the store’s operating hours, though this is rare for federal holidays.

Postal and Delivery Services: Is the Post Office Open on Presidents Day?

When the markets are closed, many people use the day off to run errands. This brings up the logistics questions: is there mail on Presidents Day and is the post office open on presidents day?

Here is the breakdown of delivery services:

USPS (United States Postal Service)

Is USPS closed on Presidents Day? Yes. Because it is a federal agency, the USPS observes all federal holidays.

• Does mail run on Presidents Day? No. There is no regular residential or business mail delivery.
• Post office lobbies are closed.

UPS and FedEx

Private carriers operate differently.

• Is UPS open on Presidents Day? Generally, yes. UPS pickup and delivery services are usually available. UPS Store locations may have modified hours, but the network is active.
• FedEx: FedEx usually provides service on Presidents Day, though FedEx Express might have modified service for certain economy options.

If you are asking “is there mail today,” the answer depends on who is delivering it. A letter from the IRS? No. An Amazon package delivered by UPS? Likely yes.

Retail and Schools: What is Closed on Presidents Day?

While Wall Street takes a break, Main Street is often bustling. In fact, Presidents Day is widely known for aggressive retail sales (especially for mattresses and cars).

Is Costco Open on Presidents Day?

Yes, Costco is open on Presidents Day. Unlike holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, major big-box retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target remain open. In fact, they expect high foot traffic.

Are Schools Closed on Presidents Day?

This varies by district, but generally:

• Are schools closed on presidents day? Yes, most public schools (K-12) close to honor the holiday.
• Is there school on presidents day for universities? It depends. Many public universities close, but private colleges often hold classes. You should check your specific academic calendar.

Planning Ahead: When is Presidents Day 2026?

For traders who like to plan their vacation time around market closures, knowing the future dates of federal holidays 2026 is helpful.

The holiday always falls on the third Monday in February. Here is the schedule for the next few years:

• 2025: February 17 (Monday)
• 2026: February 16 (Monday)

So, if you are looking for a Feb 16 holiday on your calendar for next year, that will be Presidents Day 2026.
Are banks open on Presidents Day 2026? No, the same rules will apply. The market and the Federal Reserve will be closed.

Washington’s Birthday vs. Presidents Day: What is Today?

There is often confusion regarding the name of the holiday. You might wonder, “is today President Day or Washington’s Birthday?”

Legally, the federal holiday is designated as Washington’s Birthday. It was originally established in 1885 to honor George Washington.

The confusion started with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971. This act moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends for workers. While the move was intended to create a uniform schedule, it also placed the holiday in the range of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12).

While the federal government never officially changed the name to “Presidents Day,” state and local governments—and arguably, the marketing industry—adopted the term Presidents Day to honor all U.S. presidents.

So, what is today? Federally, it’s Washington’s Birthday. Culturally, it’s Presidents Day. Financially? It’s a day off.

Trading the “Holiday Effect”

Just because the answer to “is the market open on presidents day” is “no,” that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying attention. Holiday closures have specific impacts on market behavior.

1. Pre-Holiday Lull

In the days leading up to a three-day weekend, trading volume often dries up. Institutional traders may close out positions early to avoid holding risk over the long weekend. This can lead to lower liquidity and occasionally higher volatility if a large order hits a thin market.

2. The Tuesday Reopen

When the bell rings on Tuesday morning, the market has to “catch up” on three days of news. If significant geopolitical events or economic data releases occurred over the weekend, the market may gap up or down significantly at the open.

3. Settlement Dates

If you sold stock on the Friday before the long weekend, remember that the settlement period (T+1) does not count the holiday. A trade made on Friday would typically settle Monday, but due to the holiday, it will settle on Tuesday. This matters for traders managing cash balances.

Summary: Is Stock Market Open Today?

To wrap up, here is the cheat sheet for the holiday:

• Is the stock market open on Presidents Day? No (NYSE and Nasdaq closed).
• Is Presidents Day a bank holiday? Yes (Federal Reserve and branches closed).
• Is UPS open on Presidents Day? Yes.
• Is the Post Office open on Presidents Day? No.
• Is Costco open on Presidents Day? Yes.

Enjoy the long weekend. Use the downtime to review your portfolio strategy, read up on market trends, or simply relax. The opening bell will ring again bright and early on Tuesday.

FAQs

1. Is the stock market closed today for the entire day?
   Yes. If today is Presidents Day, both the NYSE and Nasdaq are closed for the entire trading session. There is no half-day schedule; it is a full closure.
2. Is Presidents Day a federal holiday for everyone?
   Presidents Day is a federal holiday, meaning federal employees (non-essential) are off, and federal offices are closed. However, private sector businesses choose whether or not to observe it. While banks and markets close, most retail stores and restaurants remain open.
3. When is the next stock market holiday after Presidents Day?
   After Presidents Day in February, the next scheduled stock market closure is usually Good Friday, which typically falls in late March or April.
4. Can I trade crypto on Presidents Day?
   Yes. Unlike the traditional stock market, cryptocurrency markets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) are decentralized and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of federal holidays.

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