April 21, 2025 – As investors and traders navigate the financial markets, one question often arises around holiday periods: Is the stock market open on Easter Monday? In the United States, the answer is yes. In Europe and the UK, the answer is no. This article explores the status of the U.S. stock market on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, and provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming holidays when the major U.S. stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will be open or closed.
Easter Monday and the U.S. Stock Market
Easter Monday, which falls on April 21, 2025, is not a federal holiday in the United States, and as such, it does not typically trigger a closure of the U.S. stock markets. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will operate on their regular trading schedule, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), on this day. This is in contrast to Good Friday, which occurred on April 18, 2025, when both exchanges were closed in observance of the religious holiday, despite it not being a federal holiday.
The decision to keep markets open on Easter Monday aligns with the U.S. financial system's practice of tying market closures closely to federal holidays or significant national observances. While some international markets, such as the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, remain closed on Easter Monday, the U.S. markets resume normal operations, providing investors with continuity after the Good Friday closure.
This distinction is important for investors, particularly those with positions in global markets, as closures in other regions may affect liquidity or trading volumes. For instance, the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Shanghai Stock Exchange typically remain open on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, which could influence cross-market dynamics. Investors keeping an eye on Monday’s open should monitor weekend developments, as futures trading and international markets may react to breaking news or geopolitical events.
Why Market Holidays Matter
Stock market holidays impact more than just trading schedules. When markets are closed, no physical trading occurs on the exchanges, which can lead to lower liquidity and increased volatility when trading resumes. Extended closures, such as those around major holidays, can also prompt investors to adjust their portfolios in anticipation of reduced access to their funds. As noted by industry experts, prolonged closures can lead to investors “taking money off the table” if unnerving events occur while exchanges are shut.
Moreover, holidays like Good Friday, which saw the markets closed on April 18, 2025, often coincide with reduced trading volumes in the days leading up to the closure, as traders and financial professionals prepare for the break. The early closure of the bond market on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET, further underscores the ripple effects of holiday schedules across financial markets.
2025 U.S. Stock Market Holiday Schedule
To help investors plan ahead, below is a detailed list of the remaining 2025 holidays when the NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed or have early closures, along with those when the markets will remain open with regular hours. The schedule is based on official announcements from the NYSE and Nasdaq, as well as industry sources.
Holidays When the Stock Market Is Closed (2025)
The NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed for the following holidays in 2025:
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 26, 2025
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19, 2025
- Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
Holidays with Early Closures (2025)
The stock markets will close early at 1:00 p.m. ET (1:15 p.m. for eligible options) on the following days:
- Day Before Independence Day: Thursday, July 3, 2025
- Day After Thanksgiving (Black Friday): Friday, November 28, 2025
- Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
On these early closure days, crossing session orders will be accepted from 1:00 p.m. for continuous executions until 1:30 p.m., and late trading sessions for NYSE American Equities, NYSE Arca Equities, NYSE Chicago, and NYSE National will close at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Holidays When the Stock Market Is Open (2025)
The stock markets will operate with regular hours (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET) on the following holidays, unless they fall on a weekend:
- Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Monday, October 13, 2025 (Note: The bond market is closed)
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (Note: The bond market is closed)
Additional Notes on Market Closures
- If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the markets typically close on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, the markets close on the following Monday. For example, if Independence Day in 2026 falls on a Saturday, the markets are likely to close on Friday, July 3, 2026.
- Unexpected closures may occur for national days of mourning, such as the closure on January 9, 2025, to honor former President Jimmy Carter.
- The stock market rarely closes for more than three consecutive trading days, except in extreme circumstances, such as during Superstorm Sandy in 2012 or after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Bond Market Holiday Schedule
The bond market, governed by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), follows a slightly different schedule. In addition to closing for all 10 stock market holidays, the bond market also closes for:
- Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Monday, October 13, 2025
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The bond market also closes early at 2:00 p.m. ET on several occasions, including:
- Thursday, April 17, 2025 (Day before Good Friday)
- Friday, May 23, 2025 (Friday before Memorial Day)
- Thursday, July 3, 2025 (Day before Independence Day)
- Friday, November 28, 2025 (Day after Thanksgiving)
- Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve)
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve)
Implications for Investors
Understanding the stock market holiday schedule is crucial for effective portfolio management. Closures can affect trading strategies, particularly for those relying on short-term trades or needing to adjust positions in response to market events. For instance, the closure on Good Friday 2025 led to a pause in trading after a turbulent week marked by a Dow Jones Industrial Average drop of 1.33%, driven by declines in UnitedHealth and Nvidia. Investors resuming trading on Easter Monday should be prepared for potential volatility as markets react to weekend developments.
Additionally, early closures, such as those on Black Friday or Christmas Eve, can result in lower trading volumes and wider bid-ask spreads, increasing the risk of less favorable trade executions. Investors engaging in extended-hours trading (pre-market from 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET or after-hours from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET) should also be aware of higher volatility and lower liquidity during these periods.
Global Context and Market Dynamics
While the U.S. stock markets operate normally on Easter Monday, the closure of major international exchanges like those in London and Paris may lead to reduced global trading activity. This can create opportunities for U.S. investors to capitalize on price movements in markets that remain open, such as Tokyo or Shanghai. However, it also underscores the importance of monitoring global economic indicators, such as U.S. trade talks or Federal Reserve policies, which can influence market sentiment.
The recent market environment, marked by tariff concerns and mixed economic reports, adds another layer of complexity. For example, a report on April 17, 2025, noted fewer U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits, suggesting a solid job market, while manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly contracted. Such developments could shape investor behavior when markets reopen on Easter Monday.
Conclusion
The U.S. stock market will be open for regular trading hours on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, providing investors with an opportunity to resume activities after the Good Friday closure. By understanding the full 2025 holiday schedule, investors can better navigate market closures, early closings, and their potential impacts on liquidity and volatility. As the financial markets continue to respond to global and domestic developments, staying informed about holiday schedules and their broader implications remains a key component of successful investing.
For the latest updates on market holidays and trading hours, investors can refer to the official websites of the NYSE (www.nyse.com) and Nasdaq (www.nasdaq.com).
