Is the Stock Market Closed on New Year's Day? 2026 Trading Hours Guide

Which Markets Are Closed on New Year's Day?

New Year's Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and virtually all financial markets observe this closure. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what's open and what's closed:

Major U.S. Stock Exchanges (CLOSED)

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
Fully closed
NASDAQ Stock Market
Fully closed
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Fully closed
Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT)
Fully closed

Bond & Other Markets (CLOSED)

U.S. Treasury Securities
No trading
Corporate & Municipal Bonds
No trading
Options Markets
Fully closed
Futures Markets
Most contracts closed

New Year's Eve Early Close

One important detail many traders overlook is the early close on New Year's Eve. When December 31 falls on a weekday, U.S. stock and bond markets observe shortened trading hours:

New Year's Eve Early Close Schedule

Stock Markets

Close at 1:00 PM ET

NYSE & NASDAQ

Bond Markets

Close at 2:00 PM ET

SIFMA recommendation

New Year's Day Dates & Observed Holidays

When January 1 falls on a weekend, the market holiday is observed on the nearest weekday. Here are the upcoming New Year's Day dates and their market impact:

New Year's Day Schedule

2026

Thursday, January 1

Markets closed

2027

Friday, January 1

Markets closed

2028

Saturday, January 1

Observed Fri Dec 31, 2027

International Markets on New Year's Day

New Year's Day is one of the few holidays observed nearly universally around the world. Most major international exchanges are also closed on January 1:

Also Closed on New Year's Day

London Stock Exchange (LSE)
Closed Jan 1
European Markets (Euronext)
Closed Jan 1
Canadian Markets (TSX)
Closed Jan 1

Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE)
Closed (multi-day New Year holiday)
Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX)
Closed Jan 1
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
Closed Jan 1

Forex & Cryptocurrency Markets

While stock exchanges close for the holiday, some markets continue to operate:

Forex Markets

Limited Liquidity:
Forex technically operates 24/5 but liquidity is extremely thin on Jan 1
Wider Spreads:
Expect significantly wider bid-ask spreads due to reduced participation
Most Brokers Closed:
Many forex brokers do not offer trading on Jan 1

Cryptocurrency Markets

Open 24/7/365:
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all crypto trade through the holiday
Lower Volume Expected:
Holiday periods typically see reduced trading volume
Potential Volatility:
Low liquidity can lead to larger price swings

Start-of-Year Trading Considerations

The first trading days of the new year present unique opportunities and patterns for market participants:

January Effect

Small-Cap Rally:
Small-cap stocks have historically shown strength in early January
Tax-Loss Selling Rebound:
Stocks sold in December for tax losses often recover in January
New Year Rebalancing:
Institutional investors rebalance portfolios for the new year

Preparation Tips

Review Year-End Positions:
Assess your portfolio before the new year begins
Set New Year Goals:
Establish trading plans and risk parameters for the year
Monitor Global Events:
Stay informed about developments during the holiday break

Key Takeaways

✓ U.S. stock markets are fully closed on New Year's Day (January 1)
✓ New Year's Eve early close at 1:00 PM ET for stocks, 2:00 PM ET for bonds
✓ Most international markets also closed on January 1
✓ Cryptocurrency markets remain open 24/7 but with reduced volume
✓ Forex liquidity is extremely thin on New Year's Day
✓ Watch for the January Effect when markets reopen for the new year

New Year's Day is one of the most universally observed market holidays. Use the break to review your investment strategy and prepare for the trading year ahead. The first few trading days of the year often set important market tones.

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.