Is the Stock Market Closed on Presidents' Day? February Trading Hours
Presidents' Day, officially known as Washington's Birthday, is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February. Here's your complete guide to how this holiday affects stock markets, bond markets, and other financial instruments.
!Quick Answer
Yes, the U.S. stock market is closed on Presidents' Day (third Monday in February). Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are fully closed. Bond markets (SIFMA) also recommend closure. International stock markets and forex markets remain open as this is a U.S.-only holiday. Cryptocurrency markets continue trading 24/7.
Which Markets Are Closed on Presidents' Day?
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday that honors U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. All major U.S. 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
- Futures MarketsMost contracts closed
Presidents' Day Dates
Presidents' Day always falls on the third Monday of February, guaranteeing a three-day weekend. Because it is always on a Monday, there is no need for observed-date adjustments like some other holidays:
Presidents' Day Schedule
International & Forex Markets
Presidents' Day is a U.S.-only holiday. International stock markets and the global forex market continue to operate normally:
Open International Markets
- London Stock Exchange (LSE)Normal hours
- European Markets (Euronext)Normal trading
- Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE)Normal hours
- Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX)Normal hours
- Canadian Markets (TSX)Also closed (Family Day in some provinces)
Forex Markets
- Fully Operational:Forex markets trade normally on Presidents' Day
- USD Pairs Active:While U.S. banks are closed, interbank forex trading continues globally
- Normal Liquidity:Spreads and volume remain close to normal levels
Cryptocurrency Markets
As with all holidays, cryptocurrency markets are completely unaffected by Presidents' Day:
Crypto Markets - Open 24/7/365
- All Major Exchanges Active:Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and all exchanges operate normally
- No Impact on Trading:Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all crypto assets trade without interruption
- Fiat Deposits May Delay:Bank transfers to crypto exchanges may be delayed due to U.S. bank closure
February Market Considerations
Presidents' Day falls during an important period for markets. Here are key factors to consider:
Earnings Season Continues
- Q4 Reports Ongoing:Many companies report Q4 earnings throughout February
- Guidance Updates:Full-year guidance from companies shapes market sentiment
- Sector Rotation:Earnings surprises can trigger sector rotations
Economic Calendar
- Fed Minutes:FOMC meeting minutes are often released in February
- Inflation Data:CPI and PPI reports in February can move markets significantly
- Jobs Reports:Non-farm payrolls data released in early February
Key Takeaways
- ✓ U.S. stock markets are fully closed on Presidents' Day (third Monday in February)
- ✓ Bond and options markets also close following federal holiday schedule
- ✓ Most international markets remain open with normal trading hours
- ✓ Forex markets operate normally with minimal impact on liquidity
- ✓ Cryptocurrency markets trade 24/7 without interruption
- ✓ Canadian markets may also close for Family Day in some provinces
- ✓ Q4 earnings season is ongoing through February
Presidents' Day provides a mid-February break from trading. The three-day weekend is a good opportunity to review Q4 earnings results, assess your portfolio, and prepare for the remainder of the first quarter.
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.