US Stock Exchange Holidays 2021: A Comprehensive Guide

The stock market is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, and for investors, it's crucial to stay informed about all aspects of the market, including the holidays observed by the major stock exchanges. In 2021, several holidays will impact trading activities on the US stock exchanges. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the holidays observed by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the NASDAQ, and other major stock exchanges in the United States.

NYSE Holidays in 2021

The New York Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest stock exchanges, observes several holidays throughout the year. In 2021, the following are the observed holidays:

• New Year's Day: January 1




• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 18
• Presidents' Day: February 15
• Good Friday: April 2
• Memorial Day: May 31
• Independence Day: July 4
• Labor Day: September 6
• Columbus Day: October 11
• Veterans Day: November 11
• Thanksgiving Day: November 25
• Christmas Day: December 25

NASDAQ Holidays in 2021

The NASDAQ Stock Market, another major US stock exchange, also observes several holidays. The observed holidays for 2021 are similar to those observed by the NYSE:

• New Year's Day: January 1
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 18
• Presidents' Day: February 15
• Good Friday: April 2
• Memorial Day: May 31
• Independence Day: July 4
• Labor Day: September 6
• Columbus Day: October 11
• Veterans Day: November 11
• Thanksgiving Day: November 25
• Christmas Day: December 25

Other Stock Exchange Holidays in 2021

In addition to the NYSE and NASDAQ, other stock exchanges in the United States also observe holidays. Some of these exchanges include:

• Chicago Stock Exchange (CHX): Similar to the NYSE and NASDAQ, the CHX observes the same holidays in 2021.
• BATS Global Markets: The BATS Global Markets observes the same holidays as the NYSE and NASDAQ.
• American Stock Exchange (AMEX): The AMEX observes the same holidays as the NYSE and NASDAQ.

Impact on Trading Activities

The holidays observed by the US stock exchanges can have a significant impact on trading activities. During these holidays, the stock markets are closed, and investors cannot buy or sell stocks. This can lead to gaps in the market when trading resumes after a holiday, as prices may have changed significantly.

Case Study: The Impact of Holiday Gaps

One notable example of the impact of holiday gaps is the "Black Monday" of 1987. On October 19, 1987, the stock market experienced a significant drop, known as the "Black Monday Crash." The crash was attributed to a variety of factors, including the closure of the stock exchanges for the Columbus Day holiday. When trading resumed after the holiday, the market experienced a sharp decline, further exacerbating the crash.

In conclusion, understanding the holidays observed by the US stock exchanges is crucial for investors. By staying informed about these holidays, investors can better plan their trading activities and avoid potential pitfalls. Whether you're trading on the NYSE, NASDAQ, or another major stock exchange, it's important to be aware of the holidays observed by the exchanges to ensure a smooth and successful trading experience.