Presidents Day Closure: U.S. Stock Markets Shut Down to Commemorate George Washington’s Birthday
United States stock markets will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19 in honor of George Washington’s birthday, a holiday more commonly referred to as Presidents Day. The Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will be closed Monday and reopen Tuesday, Feb. 20. The U.S. bond market will also be closed Monday.
The History of Presidents Day
Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. The date of Presidents Day changes every year because of the Uniform Holiday Bill signed in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Uniform Holiday Bill mandated that three holidays, including Presidents Day, occur on Mondays to prevent midweek shutdowns and add long weekends to the federal calendar.
The 2024 Holiday Schedule
Presidents Day marks the third closure of the 2024 holiday schedule for the United States stock market. Markets were closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The next time markets will close will be Friday, March 29 in observance of Good Friday.
Here is the complete United States stock market 2024 holiday schedule:
- Washington’s birthday: Monday, Feb. 19
- Good Friday: Friday, March 29
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 27
- Juneteenth: Wednesday, June 19
- Independence Day: Thursday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 2
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28
- Christmas: Wednesday, Dec. 25
As investors prepare for a long weekend, they will need to plan accordingly and consider the impact of the closure on their investment strategies. The closure provides an opportunity for traders to reflect on the legacy of George Washington and his contributions to the nation.
Please note that while the stock market is closed on Presidents Day, other financial markets such as cryptocurrencies and forex may still be open. Therefore, it is essential for investors to stay up to date with any changes or closures in the market.
In conclusion, as the nation takes a day off to honor one of its founding fathers, the closure of the U.S. stock markets on Presidents Day serves as a reminder of the importance of both historical and financial milestones.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The closure of the US stock markets on Feb. 19 for Presidents Day is a planned holiday in the market schedule. It is expected to have minimal impact on the market as it will reopen on Feb. 20. The next closure will be on March 29 for Good Friday.
