Anyone who manages their own trades understands the importance of knowing when the stock market is open. Otherwise, they might not be able to achieve their investment goals or properly manage their portfolio. However, even casual investors should understand when the markets are open or closed. This is especially true if you intend to make some changes that could impact your taxes. Below you will discover the answer to the question, “Is the stock market open on New Year’s Day?”
What Are the U.S. Stock Markets?
In the United States, the term “stock market” doesn’t stand for a single entity. Instead, it can refer to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ.
Luckily, they both rely on the same holiday closure schedule. This makes it easier to track when the stock markets are open, as their schedules are consistent.
However, the bond market (or SIFMA) doesn’t follow the same schedule as the NYSE or NASDAQ. This can lead to a bit of confusion, as the SIFMA may close on days when the other markets are open.
Is the Stock Market Open on New Year’s Day?
No, the United States stock markets – the NYSE and NASDAQ – are not open on New Year’s Day. They close to observe the holiday, so you can’t handle certain trade-related activities on January 1. New Year’s Eve is also a recognized stock market holiday for the bond market (SIMFA). The SIMFA markets close at 2 p.m. EST on December 31 each year.
US Stock Market Holiday Schedule 2021
Both the NYSE and NASDAQ use the same holiday calendar. This means when one closes in observance of a holiday, so does the other. The only time that one will be open while the other is not is if a technical issue affects just one of the markets.
Here is a look at the US stock market holiday schedule, including both closures and short days, for 2021:
| Holiday | NYSE & NASDAQ | Date |
| New Year’s Day | Closed | Friday, January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Closed | Monday, January 18 |
| Washington’s Birthday | Closed | Monday, February 15 |
| Good Friday | Closed | Friday, April 2 |
| Memorial Day | Closed | Monday, May 31 |
| Day Before Independence Day | Closed (July 4 Holiday Observed) | Monday, July 5 |
| Labor Day | Closed | Monday, September 6 |
| Thanksgiving | Closed | Thursday, November 25 |
| Day After Thanksgiving | Closes Early at 1:00 pm EST | Friday, November 26 |
| Christmas Eve | Closes Early at 1:00 pm EST | Friday, December 24 |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Saturday, December 25 |
It’s important to note that the stock market doesn’t close on two federal holidays: Columbus Day and Veterans Day. However, while the federal government doesn’t observe Good Friday as a holiday, that isn’t the case for the NYSE and NASDAQ. Instead, the stock markets recognize Good Friday as a holiday and close for the day. There are also some short days that aren’t on the formal federal government holiday schedule.
Regular Stock Market Trading Schedule
Outside of the above-listed holidays, the stock markets are open for trading during specific hours. At the NYSE, the typical operating schedule is as follows:
- Pre-opening Session – 6:30 am to 9:30 am ET, Monday through Friday
- Core Trading Session – 9:30 am to 4:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday
- Late Trading Session – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday
The NASDAQ schedule is just slightly different, as the pre-market trading hours launch earlier in the morning. Here’s a look at the NASDAQ trading times:
- Pre-opening Session – 4:00 am to 9:30 am ET, Monday through Friday
- Core Trading Session – 9:30 am to 4:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday
- Late Trading Session – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday
Is the Bond Market Open on New Year’s Day?
No, the bond market closes on January 1 for the New Year’s Day holiday. If you need to handle any bond-related transactions and need them to complete before January 2, you’ll have to take care of it before 202comes to a close.
US Bond Market Holiday Schedule 2021
It’s important to know when the bond market won’t be open if you are involved in the bond market. Here is an overview of the US bond market holiday schedule for 2021:
| Holiday | SIFMA | Date |
| New Year’s Day | Closed | Friday, January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Closed | Monday, January 18 |
| Presidents Day | Closed | Monday, February 15 |
| Day Before Good Friday | Closes at 2:00 pm ET | Thursday, April 1 |
| Good Friday | Closed | Friday, April 2 |
| Friday Before Memorial Day | Closes at 2:00 pm ET | Friday, May 28 |
| Memorial Day | Closed | Monday, May 31 |
| Day After Independence Day Observed | Closes at 2:00 pm ET | Monday, July 5 |
| Labor Day | Closed | Monday, September 6 |
| Columbus Day | Closed | Monday, October 11 |
| Veterans Day | Closed | Thursday, November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Thursday, November 25 |
| Day After Thanksgiving | Closes at 2:00 pm ET | Friday, November 26 |
| Christmas Eve | Closes at 2:00 pm ET | Friday, December 24 |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Saturday, December 25 |
| New Year’s Eve | Closes at 2:00 pm ET | Friday, December 31 |
Overall, the SIFMA closes noticeably more often than the NYSE and NASDAQ. Not only does it observe every federal holiday, it also closes for some that aren’t part of the government’s holiday calendar.
Are International Stock Markets Closed on New Year’s Day?
International stock markets don’t necessarily follow the same holiday schedule as the NYSE and NASDAQ. However, the vast majority close on New Year’s Day, as that is a widely recognized holiday. For example, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange close on January 1 every year.
But there is an exception. The National Stock Exchange of India is open on New Year’s Day.
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