U.S. stock markets will take a pause on Monday, February 16, 2026, as they observe Presidents Day, a federal holiday officially established in 1879. While the holiday initially commemorated the birthday of George Washington, the scope has since broadened to honor all presidents of the United States. Despite its common usage as Presidents Day, the federal designation remains “Washington’s Birthday,” as Congress has never formally altered the name.
On this holiday, major financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, S&P 500, and bond markets, will remain closed. Trading activities are set to resume on Tuesday, February 17. Following Presidents Day, the next scheduled closure for the U.S. stock markets will occur on Good Friday, April 3.
For 2026, the U.S. stock market holiday calendar includes a number of closures. Following Presidents Day, investors should be aware of additional market closures:
– Good Friday: April 3
– Memorial Day: May 25
– Juneteenth: June 19
– Independence Day: July 3
– Labor Day: September 7
– Thanksgiving: Market closure on November 26, with early closing at 1 p.m. ET on November 25
– Christmas: Market closure on December 25, and early closure at 1 p.m. ET on December 24
Investors and market participants are advised to keep these dates in mind as they plan their trading strategies for the year ahead.
