Stock Markets Open Today on December 26 With Santa Claus Rally Extending Records

• U.S. stock markets are open for regular trading hours on December 26, 2025, following the Christmas holiday closure.
• The Santa Claus Rally continues to push major indexes toward record highs, supported by cooling inflation and Federal Reserve policy shifts.
• Precious metals surged as geopolitical tensions drove safe-haven demand, with silver jumping 7.7% and gold hitting record levels.
• International markets including the UK and Hong Kong remain closed for Boxing Day, creating fragmented global trading volumes.

U.S. stock markets resumed trading on December 26 with major indexes hovering near all-time highs as the Santa Claus Rally extended into the final week of 2025. Trading volumes remained light during the post-Christmas session amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and international holiday closures. Investors focused on cooling inflation data and corporate earnings resilience while precious metals soared.

Is the Stock Market Open Today?

U.S. stock exchanges reopened at standard hours today following the Christmas holiday, with trading available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq operated full sessions after closing early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The bond market also follows normal hours today despite international closures affecting global liquidity. This maintains opportunities for investors to position before year-end portfolio adjustments.

The upcoming market schedule includes an early closure at 1 p.m. ET on December 31 for New Year's Eve and a full shutdown on New Year's Day. Key international markets like London's FTSE and Hong Kong's Hang Seng remain closed for Boxing Day observance. Trading activity may stay subdued throughout the holiday period with reduced participation.

What Is Fueling the Santa Claus Rally in 2025?

The Santa Claus Rally pushed indexes higher despite recent government shutdown concerns and global geopolitical instability. Momentum stems from cooling December inflation at 2.7% and the Federal Reserve's rate cut to 3.50-3.75% in a move analysts term a 'Hawkish Cut.' Corporate earnings resilience and deferred government contracts provided additional market support during the rally. That said, sustained momentum requires broader participation beyond technology leaders according to market strategists.

Sector rotation into semiconductor and energy stocks accelerated as the AI infrastructure buildout transitioned from hype to deployment. Nvidia recently topped $5 trillion valuation amid chip demand while Tesla surged on autonomous driving breakthroughs. Precious metal miners including Southern Copper and Freeport-McMoRan advanced alongside record silver and gold prices during the session. Market strategist Ryan Detrick noted the rally's pause aligns with seasonal patterns during thin holiday trading. According to market analysis, the rally's pause aligns with seasonal patterns during thin holiday trading.

How Are International Markets Performing on Boxing Day?

Major international financial hubs including London, Toronto, and Hong Kong remain closed on December 26 for Boxing Day observances. This creates fragmented global trading conditions with reduced liquidity during U.S. market hours. European exchanges including Euronext Paris and Frankfurt also stay shuttered while Asian markets show limited activity outside Japan.

Commodities markets saw heightened volatility as investors reacted to geopolitical tensions and thin trading conditions. Crude oil futures ended a two-week decline streak while industrial metals gained alongside the materials sector. The fragmented trading landscape may persist through December 31 when U.S. markets close early. According to market analysis the fragmented trading landscape may persist through December 31 when U.S. markets close early. Global session alignment resumes next week following New Year observances.