Monday, October 14, 2024, is Columbus Day. Since that’s a federal holiday – leading to relatively broad government office closures on that day – many financial institutions and companies close their doors and give employees the day off. Since some people might want to handle some stock market trades on the holiday, it’s common to wonder, “Is the stock market closed on Columbus Day 2024?” If you’re among them, here’s what you need to know.
Is the Stock Market Closed on Columbus Day 2024?
No, the stock market is not closed on Columbus Day.
While the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are closed on most major federal holidays, they aren’t required to follow that schedule. Ultimately, that led to a decision that left the stock market open on Columbus Day. The NYSE’s holiday schedule and hours are here.
Additionally, the stock market doesn’t close on Veterans Day, even though that’s a federal holiday. As a result, traders get two federal holidays where trading is an option, even though federal offices as well as many banks and credit unions are closed.
Does the Stock Market Close Early or Open Late on Columbus Day 2024?
Since the stock market doesn’t close for Columbus Day, it’s normal to wonder if they’ll shut down early or open late instead. While most wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case, the stock market actually maintains its usual trading hours on Columbus Day. That allows you to trade at the times you typically would on any given Monday.
Is the Bond Market Closed on Columbus Day 2024?
While the U.S. stock markets are open on Columbus Day, the bond market is actually closed (here). The schedule for the bond market is guided by recommendations by The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), and it has two additional holiday closures on days when the U.S. stock markets are open.
As a result, if you plan on conducting trades on the bond market, you need to wrap them up by Friday, October 11, 2024. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until the bond market reopens on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Are International Stock Markets Closed on Columbus Day 2024?
In general, international stock markets are open on Columbus Day. Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the US, but it isn’t recognized as a holiday in other countries. As a result, international stock markets are typically open that day.
There are situations where holidays in other nations coincide with Columbus Day. If that occurs this year, then specific international stock markets may also close. However, this isn’t due to the Columbus Day holiday; it’s merely a coincidence.
US Stock Market Holiday Schedule for 2024
Whether you’re a casual investor or a highly active trader, understanding when stock market closures occur is essential. It allows you to plan your activities more effectively, ensuring you can complete trades at the proper time.
Plus, there are situations where a holiday closure may create unique trading opportunities. By knowing when a closure is on the horizon, you may be able to capitalize on small market fluctuations that don’t typically occur.
Ultimately, the Nasdaq and NYSE have holiday schedules that generally align with the federal holiday schedule, though there are a few exceptions. Here is an overview of the US stock market holiday schedule for 2024:
- New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2024 (Observed)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 15, 2024
- President’s Day – Monday, February 19, 2024
- Good Friday – Friday, March 29, 2024
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2024
- Juneteenth – Thursday, June 19, 2024
- Independence Day – Thursday, July 4, 2024
- Labor Day – Monday, September 2, 2024
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Additionally, the stock market often has a few early closures during the year. For example, it usually shuts down early on the Friday after Thanksgiving. On that day, the regular trading session actually wraps up at 1 p.m., and it doesn’t reopen until Monday morning.
For the bond market, there are two additional holiday closures listed by SIFMA. Those include:
- Columbus Day – Monday, October 14, 2024
- Veterans Day – Monday, November 11, 2024
Those bond market closures are in addition to the closures listed for the stock market above.
Finally, it’s important to note that other bond and stock market closures can occur. While incredibly rare, technical issues have happened that caused trading to cease unexpectedly. Similarly, events like power outages could lead to an unanticipated closure. There are also certain economic conditions that could cause trading to halt. As a result, you may see closures outside of the days listed above.
Do you plan on conducting any trades around the Columbus Day holiday? Have you ever wanted to trade only to be impacted by a holiday market closure? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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