As investors return from the Christmas holiday, one question dominates financial conversations: is the stock market open on December 26? The answer for 2025 is yes—the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are open today, Friday, December 26, 2025, following their full closure on Christmas Day. With the festive season still in the air, today’s trading session brings a mix of cautious optimism and light market volume.
U.S. Stock Market Schedule for December 26, 2025
Both major U.S. stock exchanges—the NYSE and NASDAQ—operate on a regular schedule today. While most traders and institutions observe reduced hours during the holiday week, there are no special closures or shortened sessions for equities.
- NYSE Trading Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET
- NASDAQ Trading Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET
- U.S. Bond Market: Early close at 2:00 p.m. ET
Trading is expected to remain quieter than average as many investors continue their holiday vacations, but the markets remain fully functional for those looking to execute trades or rebalance portfolios before the year ends.
Market Performance as of December 26, 2025
With the year wrapping up, the U.S. stock market is holding strong near record levels. Investors are optimistic heading into 2026, encouraged by improving inflation data, stable interest rates, and healthy consumer spending.
Morning Market Snapshot (11:00 a.m. ET):
| Index | Current Level | Daily Change | 2025 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones Industrial Average | 39,872 | +0.30% | +12.5% |
| S&P 500 | 5,153 | +0.25% | +14.1% |
| NASDAQ Composite | 17,662 | +0.43% | +18.5% |
Today’s trading session reflects continued strength in technology and consumer stocks, which have been key drivers of the 2025 rally. Energy and financial sectors are also showing stability as global oil prices remain steady and interest rates stay favorable.
Why December 26 Sees Lighter Trading
Even though the market is open, trading volume typically dips on December 26 for a few reasons:
- Extended Holidays: Many traders and institutional investors take time off after Christmas.
- International Closures: Major markets in Canada, the U.K., and Australia are closed for Boxing Day.
- Year-End Adjustments: Most portfolio rebalancing and tax-related trades are completed before Christmas.
- Limited Economic Data: Few reports are released during this period, leading to fewer catalysts for price moves.
Despite the lower activity, some investors see opportunities in the calm. Historically, the final week of the year has favored bullish sentiment, often contributing to what’s known as the “Santa Claus Rally.”
Understanding the Santa Claus Rally
The Santa Claus Rally refers to the tendency of U.S. markets to rise during the final trading days of December and the first two days of January. This period often benefits from a combination of positive investor mood, year-end portfolio adjustments, and new investment inflows.
On average, the S&P 500 gains about 1.3% during this stretch. While past performance isn’t a guarantee of future returns, the seasonal trend remains an important part of year-end trading psychology.
Global Stock Market Status: December 26, 2025
While Wall Street operates as usual, most international exchanges are closed today in observance of Boxing Day, a public holiday celebrated in many Commonwealth countries. Below is a look at the global trading landscape:
| Country | Exchange | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | London Stock Exchange | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Canada | Toronto Stock Exchange | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Australia | ASX | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Hong Kong | HKEX | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Singapore | SGX | Closed | Boxing Day |
| Japan | Tokyo Stock Exchange | Open | Normal Trading |
Because of these closures, cross-border trading activity is limited, contributing to thinner liquidity in the U.S. markets.
Sector Highlights for the Day
As of today’s trading session, several sectors are showing notable trends:
Technology
Tech stocks continue to lead the rally. AI and semiconductor companies, including Nvidia and AMD, are pushing the NASDAQ higher. Demand for automation and cloud services remains strong as 2026 approaches.
Energy
Oil prices hover near $78 per barrel, holding steady after minor fluctuations earlier in December. Energy stocks are seeing modest gains, with investors focusing on potential demand growth in the first quarter of 2026.
Financials
Banking shares are stable following a strong earnings season. Analysts expect more consistent profitability next year as interest rates normalize and credit conditions improve.
Consumer Discretionary
Holiday shopping data from leading retailers indicates robust consumer activity. Early figures show that e-commerce platforms experienced a double-digit increase in holiday sales compared to last year.
Economic Indicators to Watch
Although no major U.S. economic reports are due today, investors are monitoring several key indicators that will be released before the year ends:
- Consumer Confidence Index (expected December 27)
- Pending Home Sales Report (expected December 30)
- Weekly Jobless Claims (expected December 30)
These reports could influence trading sentiment next week as the market prepares for 2026.
Bond Market Overview
The U.S. bond market is open but observing an early close at 2:00 p.m. ET. Yields remain steady, with the 10-year Treasury hovering around 3.88%, reflecting market expectations for rate stability in early 2026.
Fixed-income trading remains light, though many investors are holding longer-term positions ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next meeting in mid-January.
Crypto and Forex Markets
Unlike traditional stock exchanges, cryptocurrency and foreign exchange (forex) markets remain open 24/7, even during holidays. As of today, both markets are stable:
- Bitcoin (BTC): $74,100 (+1.2%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $3,940 (+0.9%)
- U.S. Dollar Index (DXY): 102.2 (-0.1%)
Traders are watching crypto closely after a strong 2025 performance driven by institutional adoption and new regulatory clarity.
What Traders Can Do Today
Even though December 26 tends to be a quieter trading day, investors still have several smart strategies to make the most of this post-holiday session. With 2025 nearly over, today is an ideal time to fine-tune portfolios and prepare for 2026.
Start by rebalancing investments to align with next year’s goals and risk tolerance. Sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are expected to stay strong in early 2026, making them areas worth reassessing for potential exposure. Traders can also harvest tax losses before year-end to offset gains, a move that can help reduce overall tax liabilities.
Because market volume is light, it’s wise to set stop-loss orders and avoid overly aggressive positions that could be affected by short-term volatility. Reviewing the upcoming economic calendar—including pending jobless claims and consumer confidence data—can help shape early January strategies.
Above all, patience and discipline are key. Avoid impulsive trading in thin markets and instead focus on building positions for long-term growth. Taking a thoughtful, strategic approach now can position investors for a smoother and more confident start to 2026.
When Will Markets Close Next?
After today, the next U.S. market closure will be on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of New Year’s Day. Both the NYSE and NASDAQ will resume normal trading hours on Friday, January 2, 2026. There are no additional scheduled closures for the remainder of December, although the bond market may observe an early close on December 31, depending on holiday liquidity conditions.
With only a few trading sessions left in 2025, investors are watching for light year-end adjustments, particularly as institutional funds complete rebalancing before the new fiscal year begins. Trading activity on December 31 (New Year’s Eve) is expected to remain subdued, though final-hour movements could reflect last-minute portfolio positioning.
Here’s an updated look at the upcoming market schedule:
| Date | Event | Market Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 26, 2025 | Day After Christmas | Open |
| Dec 31, 2025 | New Year’s Eve | Open (Light Trading Expected) |
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day | Closed |
| Jan 2, 2026 | First Trading Day of 2026 | Open |
Looking ahead, the first full trading week of 2026 is expected to start with optimism, as investors anticipate potential Fed rate adjustments and early Q1 corporate guidance.
Year-End Market Sentiment
The 2025 trading year has been one of the strongest in recent memory for U.S. equities, with all major indices closing near record highs. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ have outperformed expectations, driven by robust corporate earnings, healthy consumer demand, and improving supply chain stability. Inflation has eased to around 2.4%, aligning closely with the Federal Reserve’s target, while interest rates have remained steady throughout the final quarter.
Investor confidence continues to grow as economic data shows resilience in both the job market and household spending. Technology stocks—especially those tied to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and semiconductors—have been the standout performers of 2025. Meanwhile, healthcare and renewable energy sectors are gaining momentum as investors anticipate favorable government policies and sustained innovation in 2026.
As the market transitions into the new year, analysts expect moderate but consistent growth, supported by potential rate cuts in early 2026, easing inflationary pressure, and improving global trade conditions. Overall, Wall Street’s tone remains cautiously optimistic, signaling confidence that the U.S. economy can maintain its expansion into the next year.
Quick Recap: Is the Stock Market Open on December 26?
Yes, the stock market is open on December 26, 2025, following its full closure for Christmas Day. Both the NYSE and NASDAQ are operating on regular trading hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. The U.S. bond market, however, will close early at 2:00 p.m. ET as part of its standard post-holiday schedule.
Global trading volumes remain lighter today due to Boxing Day closures in countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Despite thinner activity, U.S. indices opened higher, supported by strong consumer spending data and optimism surrounding possible Federal Reserve rate cuts in early 2026. Investors are using this quieter session to finalize year-end portfolio adjustments, lock in profits, and position for potential growth in the first quarter of the new year.
FAQs
1. Is the stock market open on December 26, 2025?
Yes. Both the NYSE and NASDAQ are open on December 26, 2025, for normal trading hours.
2. Why are some other markets closed today?
Countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia observe Boxing Day, which keeps their stock exchanges closed.
3. What time does the bond market close today?
The U.S. bond market closes early at 2:00 p.m. ET due to the post-holiday schedule.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. Market schedules, trading hours, and performance figures may change based on official exchange announcements. Always verify with your broker or the exchange directly before making trading or investment decisions.