The stock market will be closed on April 18, 2025, in observance of Good Friday. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq will pause operations for the religious holiday. Trading will resume on Monday, April 21, 2025, with normal hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.
This closure provides Wall Street a brief respite after a turbulent week, during which the Dow plunged following UnitedHealth's annual profit forecast. Investors rushed to sell off stocks after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that tariffs imposed during the Trump administration could drive up inflation.
Good Friday, observed on April 18, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and precedes Easter Sunday, which falls on April 20, 2025. While not a federal or Mississippi state holiday, some businesses and schools may close, allowing many to enjoy an extended weekend with family.
Mail services, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS, will operate normally on Good Friday, despite the closure of financial markets. According to the Federal Reserve, most major banks will remain open, as Good Friday is not recognized as a federal holiday.
For those wondering about the bond market, it too will be closed on April 18, having closed early on April 17 at 2 p.m. EDT. The next holiday when the stock market will be closed is Memorial Day, on May 26, 2025.
Good Friday holds a unique place in financial markets, as it is the only weekday that is not a federal holiday where both bond and stock markets do not operate. Major exchanges globally, from Toronto to London to Mumbai, will also be shuttered on this day, with the notable exceptions of China's and Japan's stock markets, which reported gains earlier in the day.
In China, the CSI 300 index saw a slight increase of 0.01%, while Japan's Nikkei 225 rose by 1% in trading sessions that concluded before 5 a.m. EDT on April 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, remained stable at just below $85,000.
While most banks will be open, it's advisable for customers to check with their local branches for any variations in hours, especially in areas with strong religious observance. Some states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas, and Tennessee, recognize Good Friday as a state holiday, which may affect local government office hours.
The significance of Good Friday extends beyond financial markets. It is a day of reflection and observance for many Christians, marking the sorrowful event of Christ's crucifixion. Various Christian denominations honor this day through fasting, church services, and other forms of devotion.
As the Easter weekend approaches, many people take part in traditions that commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday. The observance of Good Friday varies widely across the United States, with some private companies choosing to close, while others remain open.
For those involved in trading or banking activities, understanding the implications of Good Friday is essential. The stock market's closure is a tradition that provides a pause for traders and investors ahead of the Easter weekend. After a week of volatility, traders will return to the market on Monday, April 21, 2025, to navigate the ongoing fluctuations in stock and bond prices.
In summary, Good Friday's closure of financial markets is a significant event, marking a time of reflection for many while also affecting trading activities across the board. As the markets prepare to reopen, traders will be looking ahead to potential developments that could influence their strategies in the coming weeks.
