As the year comes to a close, investors often pause to ask a very common question: is the stock market open on New Year’s Eve? Whether you’re an active trader, a long-term investor, or simply checking your portfolio before the holidays, knowing the exact trading schedule can help you avoid confusion and missed opportunities.
With 2025 ending and 2026 about to begin, U.S. financial markets are preparing for their first official holiday closure of the new year. Here’s everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve trading hours, New Year’s Day closures, and the full 2026 stock market holiday calendar, explained clearly and without complex market jargon.
Is the Stock Market Open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, the U.S. stock market is open on New Year’s Eve.
Both major U.S. stock exchanges — the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq — will operate on a normal trading schedule on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Stock market hours on New Year’s Eve:
- Open: 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time
- Close: 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
There is no early close for stock trading on New Year’s Eve. Investors can buy and sell stocks throughout the full trading session, just like on any regular weekday.
This often surprises people, as many assume markets shut down early before a major holiday. While that may be true for some holidays, New Year’s Eve is a full trading day for stocks.
What About Bond Markets on New Year’s Eve?
While stock markets stay open all day, bond markets follow a different schedule.
On New Year’s Eve:
- Bond markets close early at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
This early close applies to U.S. Treasury bonds, corporate bonds, and other fixed-income securities. If you trade bonds or bond funds, it’s important to plan accordingly.
Are Stock Markets Open on New Year’s Day?
No. The stock market is closed on New Year’s Day.
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, both the NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day, which is a federal holiday.
What’s closed on New Year’s Day:
- NYSE
- Nasdaq
- Bond markets
When do markets reopen?
- Friday, January 2, 2026, with normal trading hours
There is no trading in stocks or bonds on New Year’s Day.
Why Investors Care About New Year’s Eve Trading
Knowing whether the stock market is open on New Year’s Eve matters for several reasons:
- Year-end portfolio adjustments
Many investors rebalance portfolios before the year ends for tax or strategy reasons. - Tax planning
Capital gains and losses are often finalized before December 31, making New Year’s Eve an important deadline. - Lower trading volume
Trading activity is often lighter as many professionals take time off, which can affect price movements. - Market positioning for the new year
Some investors place trades to prepare for January trends, especially ahead of the first trading day of the year.
Even though markets are open, activity is often quieter than usual.
What Are the Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and NYSE?
If you’re checking market news around the holidays, you’ll often see references to these terms. Here’s a simple explanation.
What is the Dow Jones?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) tracks 30 large, well-established U.S. companies. It is one of the oldest stock market indexes, first created in 1896.
What is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 includes 500 major U.S. companies and is widely seen as the best overall measure of the U.S. stock market’s performance.
What is the Nasdaq?
The Nasdaq is an electronic stock exchange that lists many technology and growth-focused companies, including major global tech firms.
What is the NYSE?
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the world’s largest stock exchange by market value and has been operating since 1792.
Full U.S. Stock Market Holiday Schedule for 2026
Here’s a clear list of when U.S. stock markets will be closed or close early in 2026:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19
- Washington’s Birthday: Monday, February 16
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19
- Independence Day (Observed): Friday, July 3
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26
- Early close at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27
- Christmas Eve: Early close at 1:00 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
These dates apply to both the NYSE and Nasdaq unless otherwise noted.
Are Banks, Mail, and Delivery Services Open?
Banks
- Open on New Year’s Eve, though some branches may close early
- Closed on New Year’s Day
Online banking and ATMs remain available.
Mail Delivery
- U.S. Postal Service delivers mail on New Year’s Eve
- No regular mail delivery on New Year’s Day, except Priority Mail Express
FedEx and UPS
- Limited services on New Year’s Eve
- No regular delivery or pickup on New Year’s Day, except emergency services
Are Stores Open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?
Most retail stores and supermarkets are:
- Open on New Year’s Eve, sometimes with shorter hours
- Open on New Year’s Day
One major exception is Costco, which typically closes on New Year’s Day.
So, is the stock market open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes — stock markets are open for a full trading day on December 31.
However:
- Bond markets close early at 2:00 p.m. ET
- All major financial markets are closed on January 1
- Trading resumes on January 2, 2026
Understanding holiday trading schedules helps investors plan better, avoid surprises, and start the new year with clarity.
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