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Is the Stock Market Open on February 12, 2025? A Definitive Guide

No, the stock market will be closed on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. This is because February 12th, 2025, is Lincoln’s Birthday, a holiday traditionally observed by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq. So, investors looking to trade on that day will need to plan accordingly. This closure affects not only stock trading but also bond markets and government offices.

Understanding Stock Market Holidays

Navigating the stock market calendar can feel like decoding ancient hieroglyphics if you’re not familiar with the various holidays and early closures. It’s crucial to know when the market is open, partially open, or closed entirely to effectively manage your investments and trading strategies. Let’s delve into the intricacies of these market holidays, focusing on what affects your ability to trade.

Official Market Holidays

The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) generally recommends a holiday schedule for bond markets, which is often followed by the NYSE and Nasdaq. These holidays typically include:

New Year’s Day: Generally observed on January 1st.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Observed on the third Monday of January.
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day): Celebrated on the third Monday of February. Lincoln’s birthday falling on a different day is now superseded by Washington’s birthday for market closure
Good Friday: Occurs in either March or April, depending on the Christian calendar.
Memorial Day: The last Monday of May.
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Observed on June 19th.
Independence Day: Celebrated on July 4th.
Labor Day: The first Monday of September.
Thanksgiving Day: The fourth Thursday of November.
Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th.

Understanding these holidays is paramount for any investor or trader. You can find a detailed list of market holidays on the NYSE and Nasdaq websites, typically updated annually. This allows you to align your investment schedule, considering the days when trading is unavailable.

Early Market Closures

Besides full-day closures, the market occasionally closes early. This is often the case the day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, where the market typically closes at 1:00 PM EST. Early closures can impact trading volumes and strategies, so it’s crucial to be aware of these shortened sessions.

The most common reason for early market closure is the day after Thanksgiving which falls on a Friday, and the day before Independence day which falls on either a Monday or a Friday.

Planning Your Investment Strategy Around Market Closures

Knowing when the stock market is closed is not just about knowing when you can’t trade, but also about using that information to your advantage. Here’s how:

Anticipate Increased Volatility: Trading volume is often lower the day before a holiday, and can sometimes be higher the day after. This can lead to increased volatility, as fewer participants can cause price swings.
Time Your Trades Carefully: If you anticipate making a trade around a holiday, consider whether it’s better to execute the trade before the market closes for the holiday or wait until the market reopens. Your decision should depend on your individual investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Review Your Portfolio: Market closures can provide an opportunity to review your portfolio and assess your investment strategy. This is a good time to ensure your portfolio aligns with your long-term financial goals.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest market news and holiday schedules. Information is your most powerful tool in the stock market.

Understanding and adapting to the stock market’s holiday schedule is critical for successful investing. By planning ahead and staying informed, you can mitigate potential risks and optimize your trading strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of stock market holidays and their impact on trading.

Does the stock market ever open on a holiday?
Occasionally, if an unforeseen event of national significance occurs, the stock market may choose to open on a holiday. However, this is rare. Historically, the market has opened under extraordinary circumstances.
What time does the stock market typically close on a normal trading day?

The stock market typically closes at 4:00 PM EST on a normal trading day, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Pre-market trading occurs before the standard hours, and after-hours trading extends past the standard hours, providing traders with more flexibility.
Can I still trade stocks on holidays?
While the major exchanges like the NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on holidays, you may still be able to trade some stocks through international exchanges or alternative trading systems (ATS). However, trading volume on these platforms is typically much lower.
How do market holidays affect my pending orders?
If you have any pending orders (like limit orders or stop-loss orders) set to execute on a market holiday, they will not be executed until the market reopens. It’s important to check your orders and adjust them if necessary.
Does the bond market follow the same holiday schedule as the stock market?
Typically, the bond market follows a similar but not identical holiday schedule to the stock market. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommends a holiday schedule for bond markets, which is widely followed. However, there may be slight differences.
Are there any exceptions to the standard stock market holiday schedule?
While rare, the market can make exceptions to the standard holiday schedule, usually due to unforeseen circumstances or national events. Any changes will be widely publicized in advance.
Where can I find the official stock market holiday calendar?
The most reliable sources for the official stock market holiday calendar are the NYSE and Nasdaq websites. These calendars are usually updated annually and provide detailed information on market closures and early closures.
How do stock market holidays impact ETFs and mutual funds?
ETFs and mutual funds cannot be traded when the stock market is closed. Their Net Asset Value (NAV) is usually calculated at the end of each trading day, so the prices do not fluctuate on holidays. Orders placed on a holiday will be processed on the next trading day at that day’s NAV.
Does the market close early on Black Friday?
Yes, the stock market typically closes early on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. It usually closes at 1:00 PM EST.
What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the market is typically closed on the preceding Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the market is typically closed on the following Monday. The exact observation may vary.
Do all international stock exchanges observe the same holidays?
No, international stock exchanges observe different holidays based on the local customs and traditions of their respective countries. If you trade on international exchanges, you need to be aware of their specific holiday schedules.
How can I prepare for increased market volatility around holidays?
To prepare for increased market volatility around holidays, review your portfolio, adjust your risk tolerance, and stay informed. Consider using limit orders to control the price at which you buy or sell stocks, and be prepared to adjust your strategy if necessary. You can also employ risk management tools such as stop-loss orders.

Knowing when the stock market is open or closed is fundamental to successful trading. By being aware of the holiday schedule and planning accordingly, you can manage your investments more effectively and navigate the market with greater confidence.