The US stock exchange is a pivotal component of the global financial market, and for investors, understanding when the exchanges are closed is crucial for managing portfolios effectively. In 2019, several public holidays impacted trading on US stock exchanges. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the public holidays observed by the major stock exchanges in the United States during that year.
January 2019: New Year's Day
The year 2019 began with New Year's Day, a federal holiday celebrated on January 1st. This holiday typically marks the opening of the stock exchanges at their regular hours on the following trading day, but it's important to note that the actual opening times can vary.
February 2019: President's Day
President's Day, observed on the third Monday in February, is another federal holiday that impacted stock exchange operations. In 2019, this fell on February 18th. The stock exchanges typically remained open on this day, with regular trading hours.
March 2019: Good Friday
Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is a significant religious holiday in many Christian denominations. In 2019, it was observed on April 19th. The major stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ, closed for the day, with trading resuming the next day.
April 2019: Easter Monday
Easter Monday, following Easter Sunday, is a holiday in some countries, but it's not a federal holiday in the United States. However, some investors may consider it when planning their trading schedules. In 2019, Easter Monday fell on April 22nd, and the stock exchanges were open for regular trading hours.
May 2019: Memorial Day
Memorial Day, which honors those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, is observed on the last Monday in May. In 2019, this was May 27th. The stock exchanges were closed for the holiday, with trading resuming the next day.
June 2019: Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, is one of the most significant holidays in the United States. In 2019, the stock exchanges closed on July 4th, and trading did not resume until the following Tuesday.
July 2019: Loya Jalla
While not a federal holiday, Loya Jalla, also known as Eid al-Adha, is an important Islamic holiday. In 2019, it was observed on July 10th. Some Muslim investors may take this day into consideration when planning their investments, although the major stock exchanges did not close for this holiday.
September 2019: Labor Day
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a federal holiday that marks the achievements of the American workforce. In 2019, it fell on September 2nd. The stock exchanges remained open, with regular trading hours.
October 2019: Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day, a day of giving thanks for the harvest and other blessings, is a federal holiday observed on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2019, this was November 28th. The stock exchanges closed on this day, with trading resuming the next day.
November 2019: Veterans Day
Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, is a federal holiday honoring military veterans. The stock exchanges were open for regular trading hours on this day.
December 2019: Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is a federal holiday. In 2019, the stock exchanges closed on this day, and trading did not resume until the following Tuesday.
Understanding the public holidays observed by the US stock exchanges is essential for investors to plan their trading strategies and manage their portfolios effectively. By keeping track of these dates, investors can ensure they are not caught off guard by unexpected market closures.