Celebrations

Why is the stock market closed today?

The third Monday of February falls on the 16th in 2026, and that means no New York Stock Exchange.

The third Monday of February falls on the 16th in 2026, and that means no New York Stock Exchange.
Brendan McDermid
Calum Roche
Managing Editor AS USA
Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.
Update:

Each year, Americans mark George Washington’s birthday on the third Monday in February. In 2026, the observance falls on Monday, February 16.

The holiday was originally established to honor Washington, the nation’s first president. His birthday was designated a federal holiday in 1885. After the Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect in 1971, the celebration gradually became known as Presidents’ Day, reflecting a broader tribute to all U.S. presidents.

Despite the widespread use of the newer name, the federal government still officially recognizes the day as Washington’s Birthday.

What’s closed on 16 February 2026?

On Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday observed on February 16 in 2026, government offices will be closed.

Most major banks also shut their doors, as they typically follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule. Institutions such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, Chase, Citibank and others will not operate in person, although ATMs and online banking services will remain available. Interbank transfers will resume on the next business day.

The United States Postal Service will not deliver mail or open its branches, but private carriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS will continue operating. The stock market, schools and libraries are generally closed, while most supermarkets, restaurants and pharmacies stay open.

Is the stock market open on Presidents Day?

The New York Stock Exchange will be closed on Feb. 16, 2025 in observance of this federal holiday. The Nasdaq Stock Market will also be closed.

All US federal holidays in 2026

From New Year’s Day to Christmas Day, the United States has 11 federal holidays, with Juneteenth being the most recently added. Here is the complete list of official holidays in 2026:

HolidayDate
New Year’s DayThursday, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. DayMonday, January 19
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)Monday, February 16
Memorial DayMonday, May 25
Juneteenth National Independence DayThursday, June 19
Independence DayFriday, July 4
Labor DayMonday, September 7
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ DayMonday, October 12
Veterans DayWednesday, November 11
Thanksgiving DayThursday, November 26
Christmas DayFriday, December 25

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