U.S. stock markets close Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026
U.S. stock markets will pause trading on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday honours the civil rights leader’s legacy, marking his contributions to ending segregation and advancing equality in America. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will remain closed for the day.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed each year on the third Monday of January. The federal holiday was established in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan signed it into law, making it the first U.S. holiday dedicated to a private citizen. King’s leadership in the civil rights movement led to landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
His famous 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1963 and his Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 cemented his global influence. Beyond stock exchanges, the closure extends to bond markets and over-the-counter trading networks. FedEx will run modified services, while UPS offers only limited Express Critical deliveries. Despite the U.S. pause, global markets in London, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo will operate as usual. The break comes during earnings season, with major banks releasing quarterly results. Recent trading has seen heightened activity in tech stocks, particularly memory chip firms like Sandisk.
The one-day closure reflects the nation’s recognition of King’s enduring impact on justice and equality. While U.S. trading halts, international exchanges continue without interruption. The holiday also coincides with a busy period for corporate earnings reports and tech sector activity.
