When Is the Stock Market Closed This Memorial Day? 2026 Trading Schedule Guide

Investors and traders planning their May calendar should take note: the stock market closed on Memorial Day marks an important market closure that affects all major U.S. trading venues. In 2026, this federal holiday falls on Monday, May 25th, meaning the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, and all other primary equity markets will suspend operations for the entire day. With markets set to reopen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. ET, traders will experience the typical holiday-shortened trading week that accompanies this important national observance.

Why Is the Stock Market Closed on Memorial Day?

The stock market is closed on Memorial Day because it is a federally recognized holiday in the United States, and major trading venues follow the official federal holiday schedule. The NYSE, Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and S&P 500 all adhere to this calendar, ensuring that all market participants—traders, investors, analysts, and financial professionals—have the opportunity to observe and reflect on this solemn occasion. This practice extends beyond equities; the U.S. bond markets, regulated by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), also remain closed on Memorial Day, creating a complete halt to professional trading activities across all major financial markets.

Tracing the Origins: From Decoration Day to Modern Memorial Day

The roots of this holiday stretch back more than 150 years. Originally called “Decoration Day,” the observance emerged after the Civil War as a way to honor and commemorate soldiers who had fallen in military service. The first widely recognized observance took place on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan, a prominent leader of an organization dedicated to Union veterans, officially designated the day as “Decoration Day.” The specific date was strategically chosen—May 30th wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle, making it suitable to honor all soldiers across all conflicts.

Over subsequent decades, the holiday’s scope expanded significantly. What began as a Civil War remembrance evolved into a broader national observance encompassing all military personnel who had died in service to the United States. The transformation accelerated in 1967 when federal legislation officially renamed “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day,” reflecting the holiday’s expanded significance. The defining shift came in 1971 with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved the observance to the last Monday in May. This legislative change accomplished multiple objectives: it enshrined Memorial Day as a permanent federal holiday, standardized the holiday schedule across the nation, and created the familiar three-day weekend that has become associated with the unofficial start of summer.

Which Markets Shut Down: NYSE, Nasdaq, and Beyond

The market closure on Memorial Day encompasses virtually all major U.S. financial trading venues. This includes the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, regional exchanges, and the indices tracked by millions of investors worldwide—the DJIA and S&P 500. The comprehensive shutdown reflects the market’s commitment to honoring the significance of the day. For 2026, traders should mark May 25 as a complete trading holiday, with no equity transactions possible through any major U.S. exchange. The following trading day, May 26, 2026, represents the first opportunity to resume normal market operations at the standard 9:30 a.m. ET opening bell.

Bond Markets and Financial Institutions: What Closes and When

Beyond the stock market, bond trading also comes to a halt on Memorial Day. The bond market, operating under SIFMA guidelines, follows a holiday schedule parallel to the stock market, meaning both Treasury and corporate bond trading cease for the day. This unified closure ensures a level playing field for all participants across the fixed-income landscape. The complete market shutdown underscores how Memorial Day stands as one of the most significant market holidays, with implications for bond traders, stock traders, and all financial professionals seeking to conduct business on U.S. markets.

Honoring the Sacrifice: Modern Ways to Observe Memorial Day

In contemporary times, Americans observe Memorial Day as a balance between solemn remembrance and national unity. Across the country, communities hold parades, ceremonies at veterans’ memorials, and moments of silence. At 3:00 PM local time, a national Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause for one minute to reflect on the sacrifices of fallen military personnel. Beyond official ceremonies, individuals honor the day through visiting cemeteries and monuments, displaying flags, participating in memorial runs and walks, and supporting military-related charitable organizations and veteran advocacy groups. The closure of financial markets—from the stock market to bond markets—gives financial professionals and millions of Americans the opportunity to step back from commerce and commerce and participate in these meaningful observances.

Important: The next major market holiday following Memorial Day will be Juneteenth on June 19, 2026. Stock markets will again be closed, creating another break in the summer trading calendar. Planning around these federal market holidays remains essential for active traders and long-term investors alike.