Is the Stock Market Open on Presidents Day 2026?

Investors checking their portfolios Monday will find the markets quiet.

U.S. stock exchanges will be closed on Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents Day, one of the federal holidays recognized each year.

The closure affects trading on major exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. For traders, retirement savers and financial professionals, the break means no regular stock transactions until markets reopen Tuesday morning.

Presidents Day has long been part of the federal holiday calendar, but questions about what’s open — especially financial markets — resurface each year.

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Key Facts About Presidents Day Market Closure

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Why the Stock Market Closes on Presidents Day

Presidents Day has been a federal holiday since 1879.

It was originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday. Over time, the observance broadened to recognize all U.S. presidents.

Despite the popular name, the holiday is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” in federal law.

Federal holidays often mean closures for government offices and financial markets. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq follow a holiday calendar that aligns with most federal observances.

A spokesperson for the New York Stock Exchange said in a statement, “The NYSE observes the standard U.S. holiday schedule, including Washington’s Birthday. There will be no trading or settlement activity on Feb. 16.”

That means no buying or selling of stocks, exchange-traded funds or options during regular hours.

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What Happens to Bond Markets and Banks?

Bond markets typically follow a similar schedule.

According to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), U.S. bond markets will also close on Presidents Day.

Banks often close for the federal holiday as well, though ATMs and online banking remain available.

“Customers can still access their accounts digitally, but in-branch services will not be available,” a representative from a national banking association said.

Investors planning transactions or deposits may want to schedule them before or after the holiday to avoid delays.

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Background: The History of Presidents Day

Presidents Day traces its origins to George Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create long weekends. Washington’s Birthday was shifted to the third Monday in February.

The change led to widespread use of the name “Presidents Day,” even though Congress did not formally rename the holiday.

Today, the day serves as a broader tribute to American presidents, past and present.

Retail sales and travel often increase during the long weekend, but financial markets remain paused.

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Full 2026 U.S. Stock Market Holiday Schedule

For investors planning the year ahead, Presidents Day is one of several scheduled market closures in 2026.

Here are the expected U.S. stock market holidays for 2026:

• New Year’s Day – Jan. 1

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Jan. 19

• Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday) – Feb. 16

• Good Friday – April 3

• Memorial Day – May 25

• Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19

• Independence Day (observed) – July 3

• Labor Day – Sept. 7

• Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 26

• Christmas Day – Dec. 25

Markets may also close early on certain days, including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, depending on how the calendar falls.

Investors are encouraged to check official exchange calendars for confirmation.

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How Presidents Day Affects Investors

For most long-term investors, a one-day closure has little impact.

However, active traders and those responding to global events may need to adjust strategies.

If international markets are open while U.S. markets are closed, overseas developments can influence trading when U.S. exchanges reopen.

Market analysts often remind investors that holiday closures are scheduled well in advance.

“Holiday shutdowns are routine,” said a senior market strategist at a New York-based investment firm. “The key is knowing the calendar so you’re not caught off guard.”

Electronic trading platforms will reflect the closure, and settlement dates for trades placed before the holiday may shift accordingly.

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What Happens When Markets Reopen?

Trading will resume Tuesday, Feb. 17, at normal hours.

Investors may see higher activity in the morning session as markets react to any developments over the long weekend.

Economic reports scheduled for release on Monday may be postponed or released while markets are closed.

Financial advisors recommend reviewing account access and pending orders ahead of federal holidays to avoid confusion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the stock market open on Presidents Day 2026?

No. U.S. stock markets will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.

Will Nasdaq and the NYSE both be closed?

Yes. Both major exchanges observe Presidents Day and will not conduct trading.

Are bond markets closed on Presidents Day?

Yes. U.S. bond markets typically close in observance of the federal holiday.

Are banks open on Presidents Day?

Most banks close branches for the holiday, though online and ATM services remain available.

What time will the stock market reopen?

Markets reopen at their regular time on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Why is it called Presidents Day if it’s officially Washington’s Birthday?

The federal government still recognizes the holiday as Washington’s Birthday, but it has become widely known as Presidents Day to honor all presidents.

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What Investors Should Watch Next

Presidents Day closures are routine, but they serve as a reminder to track the annual trading calendar.

Markets will resume regular activity Tuesday, and investors can monitor economic data releases and corporate announcements scheduled for the week.

For now, trading pauses for the holiday — and resumes the next business day.