The United States stock markets will observe the Independence Day holiday by closing early on Wednesday, July 3, and remaining closed on Thursday, July 4. On July 3, both the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) will close at 1 p.m. ET. They will reopen on Friday, July 5. The U.S. bond market will also observe an early closure on Wednesday, shutting down at 2 p.m. ET, as per the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
The origins of the Fourth of July celebrations can be traced back to the first anniversary of American independence, which Philadelphians marked with a spontaneous celebration. This is documented in a letter by John Adams to his daughter, Abigail, as referenced by the Library of Congress. However, the annual observance of Independence Day only became a regular event after the War of 1812. Notable events such as the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities. It wasn’t until June 28, 1870, that Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday.
After the Independence Day closure, the stock markets will resume regular operations until early September. The next scheduled closure for the stock markets will be on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day.
United States Stock Market 2024 Holiday Schedule
- Independence Day: Thursday, July 4 (markets also close at 1 p.m. ET on July 3)
- Labor Day: Monday, September 2
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28 (markets also close at 1 p.m. ET on November 29)
- Christmas: Wednesday, December 25 (markets also close at 1 p.m. ET on December 24)
Investors and traders should plan accordingly, noting these early closures and holidays to avoid any disruptions in their trading activities.