Is the stock market open Presidents Day 2026? No. U.S. financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, are closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day. Trading resumes on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during regular market hours.
Every year, investors search for clarity around holiday trading schedules. Presidents Day remains one of the standard full-day closures recognized by major U.S. exchanges. Understanding how the holiday affects stocks, bonds, and other assets helps traders plan ahead.
Confirmed Market Status for February 16, 2026
On Presidents Day 2026:
- NYSE: Closed
- Nasdaq: Closed
- U.S. options markets: Closed
- U.S. bond markets: Closed
- OTC markets: Closed
There are no regular trading sessions, and no extended-hours trading takes place. All normal trading activity resumes Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Why U.S. Markets Close on Presidents Day
Presidents Day is a federal holiday officially designated as Washington’s Birthday. It is observed on the third Monday of February each year.
Congress established the current observance schedule through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971. Since that time, major U.S. stock exchanges have aligned their calendars with the federal holiday schedule.
The closure reflects a long-standing tradition of honoring national holidays through full-day exchange shutdowns.
Full 2026 U.S. Stock Market Holiday Calendar
The NYSE and Nasdaq publish official holiday schedules annually. Below is the confirmed list of full-day closures 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 |
In addition to full closures, markets may close early on certain days such as the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve when applicable.
What Happens to Trades on Presidents Day?
Since exchanges do not operate on Presidents Day, no trades execute during the closure.
Here is what investors should expect:
- Market orders entered on Monday execute when markets reopen Tuesday.
- Limit and stop orders remain active but unfilled until trading resumes.
- Dividend processing and settlement activity resume after reopening.
- Brokerage platforms remain accessible for viewing portfolios.
Although online trading apps remain available, they function only for order placement and account monitoring during the holiday.
Regular Market Hours
Once markets reopen, trading follows the standard U.S. schedule:
- Pre-market trading: 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET
- Regular trading session: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET
- After-hours trading: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
On Presidents Day itself, none of these sessions operate.
Bond Markets and Presidents Day
U.S. bond markets close on Presidents Day as well.
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association sets the bond market holiday calendar, which aligns with stock market closures for major federal holidays.
Treasury securities, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds do not trade on this date.
Bond settlement processes resume when markets reopen Tuesday morning.
Are Banks and Government Offices Open?
Presidents Day is a federal banking holiday.
Most banks close physical branches on Monday, February 16, 2026. However:
- ATMs remain operational.
- Online banking services continue.
- Direct deposits and automatic transactions process electronically.
Federal offices also close, which may delay certain government-related financial transactions.
Cryptocurrency and International Markets
While U.S. stock markets close, cryptocurrency markets remain open.
Digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum trade continuously, including holidays.
International stock exchanges may remain open, depending on local holiday calendars. European and Asian exchanges often operate normally on Presidents Day.
However, U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) cannot trade while domestic markets are closed.
Why Investors Track Holiday Closures
Holiday closures affect short-term liquidity and trading strategies.
Long weekends can lead to:
- Reduced volume before the holiday
- Increased volatility after reopening
- Delayed reactions to global events
Investors often review positions before market closures to manage risk.
Economic or geopolitical developments that occur during the holiday may influence Tuesday’s opening prices.
Futures Market Schedule
Futures markets sometimes operate on modified schedules during federal holidays.
Equity index futures may open in limited sessions depending on exchange rules.
Traders should verify specific futures contract schedules with their brokerage platform for Presidents Day 2026.
Not all futures contracts follow identical holiday rules.
Economic Reports and Presidents Day
Most federal economic reports are not released on Presidents Day because government offices close.
Agencies typically shift scheduled reports to later in the week.
This delay may compress economic data releases into fewer trading days following the holiday.
Investors should check updated release calendars when planning trades.
Presidents Day and Market Seasonality
Presidents Day falls during the first quarter of the calendar year.
While February performance trends vary from year to year, the holiday itself does not historically create consistent market patterns.
Any price movements following the holiday usually reflect broader economic factors rather than the closure.
Market direction depends on earnings reports, Federal Reserve policy signals, and macroeconomic data.
Common Investor Questions
Does the stock market ever stay open on Presidents Day?
No. Major U.S. stock exchanges close every year on Presidents Day.
Will my brokerage account show price updates?
No real-time stock price changes occur because markets are closed.
Can I place trades during the holiday?
Yes. You may enter orders, but execution begins once trading resumes.
Do mutual funds process transactions?
Mutual fund transactions typically process at the next available trading day’s closing net asset value.
Early Closures Around Other Holidays
Investors should also note early-closing days throughout the year.
For example:
- The market typically closes early on the day after Thanksgiving.
- Christmas Eve may feature an early close when it falls on a weekday.
- Independence Day observances can shift if July 4 falls on a weekend.
Presidents Day, however, remains a full-day closure without early trading.
Planning Ahead for Market Holidays
Smart investors often take several steps before holiday closures:
- Confirm open orders.
- Review stop-loss settings.
- Monitor global news developments.
- Check futures market schedules.
Holiday gaps can sometimes lead to price swings at the open.
Maintaining awareness of official trading calendars prevents confusion.
Looking Beyond Presidents Day
After February 16, 2026, the next full-day stock market closure occurs on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.
Investors can consult the official NYSE and Nasdaq calendars for the remainder of the year.
Tracking holiday schedules ensures accurate planning for trades, settlements, and portfolio adjustments.
The stock market open Presidents Day question surfaces every February, but the answer remains consistent: U.S. stock and bond markets close in observance of the federal holiday. Understanding these scheduled pauses helps investors stay prepared and avoid unexpected trading disruptions.
Are you adjusting your portfolio strategy around the Presidents Day market closure? Share your approach and stay alert for the next trading session.