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The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed on Presidents Day 2021.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Nearly a year ago, the Covid-19 pandemic had just begun rocking U.S. equities. Still, the prospect of a year of shutdowns in the U.S. seemed far fetched at the time. And yet, the
S&P 500 index
is up 16% from one year ago.
Investors are optimistic about the hopes of a return to normalcy in the coming months as states roll out Covid-19 vaccinations. For now, traders in the U.S. will get some time off for Presidents Day.
The federal holiday, which dates back to 1885 and was established to recognize George Washington, occurs on the third Monday of February. It has since expanded to celebrate all U.S. presidents. Government offices are closed today and it is a bank holiday. The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail on Presidents Day.
Is the stock market open on Presidents Day 2021?
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed on Monday, Feb. 15. U.S. bond markets and over-the-counter markets will also be closed for the day. Both senior U.S. exchanges will be back open on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Are international markets closed on Presidents Day 2021?
The Shanghai Stock Exchange is closed through Wednesday, local time. That’s because of Lunar New Year, not Presidents Day. The Hong Kong stock exchange is closed on Monday for the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. The Toronto Stock Exchange is closed on Feb. 15 for Family Day in Canada.
The London Stock Exchange and Tokyo Stock Exchange will be open at normal trading hours on Monday.
What about the rest of the week?
Some U.S. schools are closed the whole week of Presidents Day for vacation. Traders might look to do the same.
Going back to February 1971, the S&P 500 index has averaged a decline of 0.1% on the Tuesday following Presidents Day, according to Dow Jones Market Data. The average performance during the week of Presidents Day is a decrease of 0.05%, with the index rising in half of the 50 weeks.
Write to Connor Smith at connor.smith@barrons.com