If you’re looking to check your portfolio or make a trade this Friday, you’ll have to wait. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are both closed today in observance of Independence Day. This annual pause is a familiar event for investors, but it’s always worth a reminder, especially since not every market takes the day off.
The closure of the US stock markets on July 4 is standard practice. The NYSE, Nasdaq, and bond markets all observe the holiday, meaning no regular trading will take place until markets reopen on Monday. If you’re used to checking in on your investments or following the latest market moves, today is a good day to take a break yourself.
Banks and post offices are also closed, following the federal holiday schedule. However, if you need to run errands, most major retailers and grocery stores are open, though some may have reduced hours. So, while you can’t buy or sell stocks, you can still pick up last-minute supplies for your barbecue.
But not every market is on pause. Commodities markets, including those for oil, gold, and agricultural products, remain open, though some may operate on a shortened schedule. This means that while equities traders are taking the day off, those in commodities can still keep an eye on price movements and global developments.
Independence Day is more than just a day off for the markets. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress formally declared the thirteen American colonies free from British rule. The vote for independence actually took place on July 2, but the Declaration itself was adopted on July 4, which is why the holiday falls on this date.
The day has been celebrated in the United States for nearly 250 years, with traditions ranging from fireworks and parades to family gatherings and concerts. The first anniversary in 1777 was marked by spontaneous celebrations in Philadelphia, and over time, July 4th became a national day of festivities and reflection on the country’s founding ideals.
John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration, even predicted that the day would be remembered with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other.” His vision has certainly come true, as Americans across the country gather to celebrate with everything from backyard cookouts to large public events.
As the US celebrates its 249th birthday, the brief pause in stock trading is a small part of a much larger tradition. Whether you’re spending the day with family, watching fireworks, or just enjoying a quiet Friday, the markets will be back in action soon enough. Until then, enjoy the holiday and maybe take a moment to reflect on the history behind it.
