Memorial Day 2025: What Investors Need to Know
Memorial Day, a significant U.S. federal holiday honoring fallen military personnel, also brings changes to typical financial market operations. For those wondering whether the stock market will be open or closed on Memorial Day in 2025, here’s everything you need to know to plan your trading schedule accordingly.
Is the Stock Market Closed on Memorial Day 2025?
Yes, U.S. financial markets will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025. This closure affects both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, as well as the U.S. bond markets. Investors should be aware that no trading will take place during this federal holiday in observance of those who served in the U.S. military.
Normal Trading Resumes the Following Day
Normal trading hours will resume on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will reopen at their standard opening time of 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time and close at 4:00 p.m. Keep this in mind if you’re planning any trades or monitoring markets.
Market Hours Leading Up to Memorial Day
In most years, the stock markets remain open for their usual hours on the Friday preceding Memorial Day. For 2025, this means trading is expected to proceed as normal on Friday, May 23, 2025. However, trading volumes might be lighter than usual as investors and traders often take this opportunity for a long holiday weekend.
Bond Markets Have a Modified Schedule
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommends that U.S. bond markets follow a modified holiday schedule. Typically, this means:
- Early closure at 2:00 p.m. ET on the Friday before Memorial Day (May 23, 2025)
- Full closure on Memorial Day itself
Bond traders should take note and prepare for this adjusted schedule to avoid unexpected disruptions.
Why Financial Markets Observe Memorial Day
Like other major U.S. holidays such as Thanksgiving Day and Independence Day, Memorial Day is a time of national reflection and rest. Financial market closures on such holidays allow traders, financial institutions, and consumers time to commemorate the occasion. Many firms align closely with the NYSE Group’s holiday calendar, which includes closures on all federal holidays.
2025 NYSE Scheduled Market Holidays
For reference, here’s a list of major holidays when the stock market is closed in 2025:
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20 (Monday)
- Presidents Day – February 17 (Monday)
- Good Friday – April 18 (Friday)
- Memorial Day – May 26 (Monday)
- Independence Day – July 4 (Friday)
- Labor Day – September 1 (Monday)
- Thanksgiving Day – November 27 (Thursday)
- Christmas Day – December 25 (Thursday)
Tips for Investors Planning Around the Holiday
To make the most of the Memorial Day holiday and minimize unexpected surprises in your investments:
- Plan trades ahead of market closures to ensure you don’t miss time-sensitive opportunities.
- Review your portfolio and rebalance if necessary going into the holiday.
- Stay informed by checking official sites like NYSE.com or your brokerage platform to confirm trading schedules.
- Take advantage of the pause to review market trends and long-term strategies.
In Summary
The U.S. stock market, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, will be closed on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. Bond markets may close early on the Friday before—May 23. If you’re an active trader or a casual investor, it’s essential to understand this holiday schedule as you plan your financial activity.
Beyond the trading implications, Memorial Day also serves as a reminder to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. Enjoy the day with reflection and gratitude.
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