On February 16, 2026, Presidents Day will be observed as a federal holiday, resulting in the closure of many schools and the suspension of mail services. However, some banks and grocery stores will remain open. While this holiday is recognized nationwide, it does not impact stocks; the stock market, specifically the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will be closed on this day.
Interestingly, the holiday is officially designated as Washington’s Birthday, a nomenclature that has not been officially changed to Presidents’ Day by Congress or the President. This lack of a federal standard leads to variations in how the holiday is observed across different states. For instance, New Jersey recognizes the day as Presidents Day, while Pennsylvania refers to it as President’s Day. In contrast, some states, including Delaware, do not celebrate the holiday on February 16, and New York State continues to observe Washington’s Birthday.
In 2026, the NYSE and Nasdaq will resume regular trading on February 17 at 9:30 a.m. ET, following their closure on Presidents Day. Trading prior to the holiday will end at 4 p.m. ET on February 13, as the markets prepare for the long weekend.
Both the Nasdaq and NYSE recognize a total of ten holidays in 2026, resulting in early closing times before and after these holidays. This year, the holidays include New Year’s Day on January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, Presidents Day on February 16, Good Friday on April 3, Memorial Day on May 25, Juneteenth on June 19, Independence Day (observed on July 3), Labor Day on September 7, Thanksgiving Day on November 26, and Christmas Day on December 25.
In addition to stock trading, the U.S. bond market will also close on Presidents Day, meaning no trading will occur on that day. However, commodity futures markets, such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), will follow modified schedules, which may include early closures for some commodities. Electronic trading platforms for bonds will remain active, allowing for futures trading, but physical trading floors and over-the-counter operations will be shut down.
Investors looking to navigate the holiday can plan in advance. While active trading won’t be possible on Presidents Day, preparing ahead of time could better position them for post-holiday market responses. Historical trends indicate that the periods surrounding Presidents Day often experience weaker market activity, contrasting sharply with the notable gains typically observed during the stretch from Christmas to New Year’s Day.
