Is the Stock Market Closed on Columbus Day

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:14:16 +0000

**Is the Stock Market Closed on Columbus Day? Understanding the Real Rules in the US** Has anyone ever paused mid-scroll on Discover, wondering why the market feels quiet on Columbus Day? It’s a common question: *Is the stock market closed on Columbus Day?* With financial awareness rising and more people tracking markets daily, this moment invites attention—especially as expectations grow for transparent, reliable information. The short answer is: The stock market remains open on Columbus Day, but understanding *when* and *why* matters for informed trading and daily planning. Columbus Day falls on the second Monday of October, recognized nationally as a day off for many federal employees and some financial institutions, but it does not trigger a closure of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ. Market operations follow U.S. regulatory schedules, primarily governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and market open/close times: typically 9:30 AM ET to 4:00 PM ET. Sports holidays, civic observances, and even religious holidays rarely close major U.S. exchanges—except in rare coordinated incentives—but Columbus Day remains unchanged. Still, curiosity lingers: Why do so many users ask, *Is the stock market closed on Columbus Day?,* and is there any difference in trading behavior? The reality is, while the market stays open, the day often brings quieter volumes and fewer high-frequency trades. Retail and institutional activity usually settles into slower rhythms, making it a quiet window for long-term investors and planners to review portfolios without urgent market noise. This subtle shift creates a natural rhythm—not a shutdown, but a shift in pace.