2026 Stock Market Holiday Schedule: What to Know for New Year's Day Closure

• The U.S. stock markets will be closed on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026.
• The U.S. bond markets will close early at 2 p.m. on December 31, 2025, and remain closed on January 1.
• Markets will reopen for regular trading on Friday, January 2, 2026.
• International markets like the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges will also be closed on New Year’s Day.
• Investors should plan around the holiday schedule and adjust trading strategies accordingly.

The U.S. stock market will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of New Year’s Day, as highlighted by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association and confirmed by multiple financial outlets. This means that no trading will occur on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, or other major U.S. exchanges on that date according to the schedule. While the market is open on the final day of 2025, December 31, the U.S. bond market will close early at 2 p.m. Eastern Time as reported.

For investors and traders, it’s important to account for these closures in their planning. Any orders placed on New Year’s Eve will be executed before the early 2 p.m. closing for the bond market and will not carry over to the next trading session on January 2. Additionally, international investors should be aware that many major global exchanges—like those in London, Paris, and Hong Kong—will also be closed on New Year’s Day according to market data.

The first trading day of 2026 will be on Friday, January 2, with regular trading hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Markets will remain open through Monday, January 19, when they close again for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The full 2026 stock market holiday schedule includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas as confirmed by financial sources.

Is the stock market open on New Year’s Day 2026? What to Know for Trading and Planning

New Year’s Day is a recognized federal holiday in the United States and is one of the key dates when the stock market is closed. According to the Office of Personnel Management, which designates federal holidays, this means most government and private institutions also observe the day off as confirmed by the government. As a result, U.S. stock markets—including the NYSE and Nasdaq—will be closed on January 1, 2026 as reported by financial sources.

Investors should note that the market closure will not only affect equity trading but also extend to related markets like bonds and options. The U.S. bond market, which often closes a day earlier on holidays, will close at 2 p.m. on December 31 and remain closed on January 1 as documented in market reports. This can be especially relevant for those holding or trading in fixed-income assets, as well as for those with retirement accounts that include bond holdings.

Additionally, many international stock exchanges will also be closed on New Year’s Day, which is a common global practice. For example, the London Stock Exchange will close for the holiday on January 1 and will have reduced hours on December 31 as reported by financial sources. International traders and investors who plan to trade on those markets should adjust their schedules accordingly.

What Time Does the Stock Market Close on New Year’s Eve 2025? Market Closures and Holiday Schedules

On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, the U.S. stock market will remain open for regular trading hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. This means that investors can place and execute trades as usual during that day as confirmed by financial sources. However, the U.S. bond market will close early at 2 p.m. ET, which is an important consideration for those who hold or trade in bonds as reported in market updates.

Over-the-counter (OTC) trading will also close at the regular time on December 31 and will not operate on January 1. For investors who plan to take advantage of the final trading day of 2025, it’s important to be aware of these changes and adjust their trading strategies accordingly as detailed in market reports.

International investors should also note that many major global exchanges will have modified hours or closures on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For instance, the London Stock Exchange will close at 12:30 p.m. London time (7:30 a.m. Eastern Time) on December 31 and remain closed on January 1. Similar closures and early closures are expected for exchanges in Paris, Amsterdam, and other European financial centers as confirmed by market analysis.

As 2026 begins, investors should prepare for the market to reopen on January 2. This includes reviewing any positions that may be affected by the holiday closure, planning trades around the adjusted market schedule, and being aware of any changes in market sentiment that may occur in the days leading up to and following the holiday.