Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a cornerstone of American history, celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy. For investors, traders, and anyone with an eye on Wall Street, this federal holiday also raises an important question: Will the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) be open for business on Martin Luther King Day?
NYSE Schedule on Martin Luther King Day
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Every year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on the third Monday of January. In 2025, this holiday lands on January 20.
The New York Stock Exchange closes completely on Martin Luther King Day. This means no trading sessions, no after-hours trades, and no bell ringing. The NYSE and NASDAQ both keep their doors shut in observance of the federal holiday.
Markets swing back to life on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at their regular opening time: 9:30 a.m. Eastern. Electronic trading resumes then, and financial news starts filling up those tickers again.
Why Does Wall Street Observe MLK Day?
The NYSE and NASDAQ respect all major U.S. federal holidays that reflect shared national values. Since Martin Luther King Jr. Day became an official federal holiday in 1983, stock exchanges have recognized the importance of giving both workers and traders the day off.
Dr. King’s legacy — the fight for civil rights, equality, and peaceful change — reaches beyond politics. His work touches businesses, communities, and families across the country. By staying closed, the stock exchange honors this broader, national impact.
What Other Holidays Affect Stock Market Hours?
While Martin Luther King Day is a key closing, it’s part of a pattern. The NYSE observes a total of ten market holidays in 2025:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20)
- Presidents Day (February 17)
- Good Friday (April 18)
- Memorial Day (May 26)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (September 1)
- Thanksgiving Day (November 27)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
Key tip: The market sometimes closes early the day before major holidays, like at 1 p.m. Eastern before Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
What Happens to Other U.S. Financial Markets?
U.S. bond markets, under the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), also close completely on Martin Luther King Day. Sometimes, they observe even more holidays than the stock exchanges, such as Veterans Day and Columbus Day.
Regular bank branches and the Federal Reserve also close. ATMs and online banking stay open for basic transactions, but no new trades on the stock exchange move forward until the markets reopen.
Planning Your Stock Moves Around MLK Day
If you’re new to investing or actively manage your portfolio, knowing about market holidays helps you avoid last-minute scrambles.
Here’s what you can do:
- Plan trades ahead: Submit trades well before a holiday weekend if timing matters.
- Watch for volatility: Sometimes, the days before and after a holiday see higher market swings as investors adjust positions.
- Stay informed: Mark market holidays on your calendar so you’re never caught off guard.
When the market closes for Martin Luther King Day, take the opportunity to review your investment goals, research new stocks, or simply step away from the charts for a much-needed day off.
Why Do Market Closures Matter for Investors?
A closed market means you can’t buy or sell stocks. Orders placed while the exchange is closed won't process until the next open session. This can affect:
- Timing for big trades or earnings report releases
- Portfolio rebalancing
- Fast-moving news events
For most long-term investors, a single holiday won’t change much. For day-traders or those with tight deadlines, though, every hour counts. Get familiar with these breaks to avoid missed opportunities or surprises.
The Spirit of the Holiday
The NYSE’s closure on Martin Luther King Day isn’t just about pausing trades. It’s also about joining a nationwide reflection on justice, equality, and progress. Wall Street’s break lets every part of the financial world recognize and respect the day’s deeper meaning.
Consider using the quiet trading day to learn more about Dr. King’s legacy or volunteer in your community. Even the wheel of commerce needs time to stop and honor what matters most.
Conclusion
The New York Stock Exchange closes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day every year, including January 20, 2025. No stocks change hands, no opening or closing bells ring, and the market rests for 24 hours. Use this planned break as a chance to step back, plan, and remember the day’s purpose — reflecting both as an investor and as part of a larger community.
Check your calendars, finish any trades before the Friday prior, and enjoy your day off from the trading floor. The market will be waiting when it reopens, ready for the next round.