Is the Stock Market Closed on Memorial Day? 2026 Trading Schedule
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and is a significant federal holiday in the United States. Here's everything traders and investors need to know about Memorial Day market closures, summer trading patterns, and the famous "Sell in May" strategy.
!Quick Answer
Yes, the U.S. stock market is closed on Memorial Day (last Monday in May). Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are fully closed. Bond markets are also closed per SIFMA recommendations. The holiday always falls on a Monday, creating a three-day weekend that kicks off the summer trading season. Forex markets remain open but with reduced U.S. participation, and cryptocurrency markets trade 24/7 as usual.
Which Markets Are Closed on Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. All major financial markets observe this closure:
Major U.S. Stock Exchanges (CLOSED)
- New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)Fully closed
- NASDAQ Stock MarketFully closed
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)Fully closed
- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT)Fully closed
Bond & Other Markets (CLOSED)
- U.S. Treasury SecuritiesNo trading
- Corporate & Municipal BondsNo trading
- Options MarketsFully closed
- Commodity FuturesMost contracts closed
Memorial Day Dates
Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May, ensuring a three-day weekend. This holiday marks the transition from the active spring trading season into the traditionally quieter summer months:
Memorial Day Schedule
The "Sell in May" Strategy
Memorial Day is closely associated with one of Wall Street's most famous adages: "Sell in May and go away." This strategy suggests that stocks tend to underperform during the summer months (May through October) compared to the winter months (November through April).
"Sell in May" - What the Data Shows
- Historical Basis:Since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged about 1.8% returns from May to October vs. 7.1% from November to April
- Not Always Reliable:Many years defy this pattern. Selling purely based on the calendar can mean missing significant gains
- Transaction Costs:Frequent buying and selling incurs taxes and fees that can erode any seasonal advantage
- Modern Perspective:Most financial advisors recommend staying invested rather than timing the market based on seasonal patterns
Summer Trading Patterns
Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer trading season, which has distinct characteristics:
Summer Market Characteristics
- Lower Volume:Trading volume typically drops as traders take vacations
- Reduced Volatility:Markets often drift sideways with fewer catalysts
- Thin Markets Risk:Low volume can amplify sudden moves on unexpected news
Pre-Holiday Preparation
- Review Positions:Assess portfolio risk before the long weekend
- Check Options Expiry:Be aware of any options positions with upcoming expiration
- Set Alerts:Configure news and price alerts for the weekend
International Markets on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is exclusively a U.S. holiday. International markets operate on their normal schedules:
Open International Markets
- London Stock Exchange (LSE)Normal hours (check for UK bank holiday)
- European Markets (Euronext)Normal trading schedules
- Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE)Normal hours
- Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX)Normal hours
- Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)Normal hours
- Canadian Markets (TSX)Normal hours
Forex & Cryptocurrency Markets
As a U.S.-only holiday, Memorial Day has limited impact on global trading:
Forex Markets
- Open for Trading:Forex markets operate on their normal 24/5 schedule
- Slightly Lower USD Volume:U.S. bank closures may reduce dollar pair volume modestly
- European & Asian Sessions:London and Asian trading sessions operate with full liquidity
Cryptocurrency Markets
- Open 24/7/365:Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all crypto trade through Memorial Day
- Normal Activity:Memorial Day has minimal impact on crypto trading volumes
- Fiat Transfer Delays:Bank wire deposits may be delayed due to U.S. bank closure
Key Takeaways
- ✓ U.S. stock markets are fully closed on Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- ✓ Bond, options, and futures markets also close following federal holiday schedule
- ✓ International markets remain open with normal trading hours
- ✓ Forex markets operate normally with slightly reduced U.S. participation
- ✓ Cryptocurrency markets trade 24/7 without interruption
- ✓ "Sell in May" is a seasonal pattern, not a guaranteed strategy
- ✓ Summer trading often sees lower volume and reduced volatility
- ✓ Review positions before the long weekend to manage risk
Memorial Day marks a transition point in the trading calendar. While the "Sell in May" adage has some historical basis, most experts recommend maintaining a long-term investment strategy rather than trying to time seasonal patterns. Use the long weekend to review your portfolio and prepare for the summer trading environment.
For real-time market schedules and holiday information, bookmark our market holidays calendar to stay informed about upcoming closures and plan your trading activities accordingly.