Stock Market Hours On Veterans Day: What You Need To Know

Nick Leason

-Nov 11, 2025

Stock Market Hours On Veterans Day: What You Need To Know

The stock market's operation on Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring U.S. military veterans, is a common question for investors and traders. While the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq typically close for most federal holidays, Veterans Day is an exception.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. stock market, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, is OPEN on Veterans Day.
Unlike many other federal holidays, Veterans Day is not a mandated stock market holiday.
Veterans Day falls on November 11th each year, but if it lands on a weekend, the observed holiday may shift.
Traders and investors should be aware of regular trading hours on this day.
Bond markets and some international markets may observe closures.

Introduction

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a significant federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of all U.S. military veterans. As this day approaches, many individuals involved in the financial markets, from seasoned investors to casual observers, often wonder about its impact on stock market operations. Specifically, questions arise regarding whether the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq Stock Market observe this holiday with a closure, or if trading continues as usual. Understanding these operational details is crucial for anyone planning trades or investments around this date.

This article will delve into the specifics of stock market trading on Veterans Day. We will clarify which markets are open and closed, explain the reasoning behind these decisions, and provide practical advice for navigating financial activities during this observance. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how Veterans Day affects the U.S. stock market and related financial activities.

What is Veterans Day and Why Does it Affect the Stock Market?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11th. It was established to commemorate the end of World War I and to honor all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, or Presidents' Day, which honors past presidents, Veterans Day is a celebration of the living and deceased veterans themselves.

The U.S. stock market, operated by entities like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, observes a specific list of holidays each year. These holidays are generally recognized federal holidays that significantly impact business operations across the nation. Most federal holidays result in a stock market closure to allow participants, employees, and the general public to observe the occasion.

However, Veterans Day is unique. While it is a federal holiday, it is not one of the holidays for which the NYSE and Nasdaq mandate a closure. This means that, by default, the stock markets remain open for regular trading hours on November 11th, unless that date falls on a weekend. The decision to remain open is rooted in historical precedent and the specific criteria the stock exchanges use for holiday closures. The NYSE, for instance, typically closes for ten holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Veterans Day is not on this list.

Why the Distinction?

There isn't one single, definitive reason universally cited for why Veterans Day isn't a mandated stock market holiday, unlike other federal holidays. However, several factors likely contribute:

Historical Precedent: The holiday's evolution from Armistice Day (commemorating the end of WWI) to Veterans Day has seen different levels of observance. Early on, Armistice Day was not a stock market holiday. When it was expanded and renamed Veterans Day in 1954, the established practice of trading continued.
Federal vs. Exchange Holiday: While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning federal employees have the day off and federal offices are closed, the stock exchanges are private entities that set their own holiday schedules. Their schedules often align with federal holidays but are not strictly bound by them.
Minimal Impact on Trading: Historically, the closure for certain federal holidays has been maintained more out of tradition and employee observance than a direct impact on trading volume or market functionality. Veterans Day may have been deemed less disruptive to close for.

Understanding this distinction is crucial. While you can take the day off and federal agencies will be closed, the financial markets continue their operations, presenting opportunities and requiring vigilance for traders and investors.

How Trading Works on Veterans Day: What to Expect

Since the U.S. stock market remains open on Veterans Day, trading proceeds according to its regular schedule. This means both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq operate from their standard opening bell to their closing bell. The regular trading hours are: — 92 Corporate Park Suite: Your Guide

Opening Bell: 9:30 AM Eastern Time (ET)
Closing Bell: 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)

This applies to the primary U.S. equity markets. However, it's essential to understand that not all financial markets operate on the same schedule.

Markets that Remain Open:

NYSE and Nasdaq: As mentioned, these major U.S. stock exchanges are open.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Markets: These markets also generally follow the stock exchange schedule and remain open.
Most U.S. Futures Markets: While some futures contracts might have different schedules, many U.S. futures exchanges, such as the CME Group (which includes the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade), remain open for trading on Veterans Day. It's always best to check the specific contract's holiday schedule.

Markets that May Close or Have Limited Hours:

U.S. Bond Market: The bond market, particularly U.S. Treasury markets, does observe Veterans Day as a holiday and will be closed. This closure typically includes the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) U.S. Treasury futures.
International Markets: Stock exchanges in other countries may observe Veterans Day or have their own holidays. For instance, if Veterans Day falls on a date that is also a holiday in another country, that specific market will be closed. London, Tokyo, or Frankfurt markets will operate according to their local schedules and holidays.
Forex Market: The foreign exchange (Forex) market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, and is generally not affected by U.S. holidays unless multiple major economic events coincide. It will likely remain open.

Trading Strategy Considerations:

For active traders, the fact that the market is open presents both opportunities and challenges:

Liquidity: With the market open, liquidity levels should remain relatively normal, similar to any other business day. This allows for easier execution of trades.
News and Events: While U.S. markets are open, government offices are closed. This might mean less government-related economic data releases on that specific day, potentially leading to different market dynamics. However, companies still report earnings, and international news continues to flow.
Reduced Participation? It's possible that some market participants, especially those in government-related finance or those who personally wish to observe the holiday, might trade less actively. This could lead to slightly lower trading volumes, though typically not enough to disrupt major market functions.

In summary, while Veterans Day is a day of remembrance and many federal services are unavailable, the wheels of commerce continue to turn on Wall Street. Investors and traders must plan accordingly, knowing that trading is available but that certain related markets, like bonds, may be closed.

When Veterans Day Falls on a Weekend

Veterans Day is fixed on November 11th each year. However, its impact on observed holidays, including potential stock market closures or adjustments, depends on whether it falls on a Saturday or a Sunday. This is a standard practice for most federal holidays.

If Veterans Day Falls on a Saturday: When November 11th occurs on a Saturday, the federal holiday is typically observed on the preceding Friday, November 10th. In this scenario, federal offices and many businesses that follow the federal holiday schedule would close on Friday. However, the U.S. stock exchanges (NYSE and Nasdaq) generally do not close on the Friday before a Saturday Veterans Day. They continue to trade on Friday, November 10th, and remain closed on Saturday, November 11th (as markets are always closed on weekends). Therefore, the market is effectively open on the Friday preceding a Saturday Veterans Day.
If Veterans Day Falls on a Sunday: If November 11th falls on a Sunday, the federal holiday is typically observed on the following Monday, November 12th. On this Monday, federal offices and many other businesses would close. Crucially, the stock exchanges do observe the Monday following a Sunday Veterans Day as a holiday. This means the NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed on Monday, November 12th. They would have been open on Saturday, November 11th (but as markets are closed on weekends, there's no trading activity). Therefore, if Veterans Day is on a Sunday, the market will be closed on the following Monday.

Example Scenarios:

Veterans Day 2023: November 11, 2023, was a Saturday. The federal holiday was observed on Friday, November 10, 2023. The stock market remained open on Friday, November 10, 2023, operating under normal hours.
Veterans Day 2024: November 11, 2024, will be a Monday. Since this is a weekday, the stock market will be open for regular trading hours.
Veterans Day 2025: November 11, 2025, will be a Tuesday. The stock market will be open for regular trading hours.

Key Takeaway for Weekend Dates:

Always check the specific year's calendar. If November 11th is a Saturday, the market is open on the preceding Friday. If November 11th is a Sunday, the market is closed on the following Monday.

International Stock Markets on Veterans Day

While U.S. markets remain open on Veterans Day, the situation is different for international stock exchanges. Their holiday schedules are determined by their own national observances and traditions.

European Markets: Major European exchanges like the London Stock Exchange (LSE), Euronext (serving Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon, and Dublin), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (XTRA) typically do not observe Veterans Day. They operate on their own set of holidays, which are distinct from U.S. federal holidays. Therefore, these markets will generally be open on November 11th unless it coincides with one of their own national holidays.
Asian Markets: Similarly, exchanges in Asia, such as the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), have their own calendars. Veterans Day is not a recognized holiday in Japan, China, or other major Asian financial centers. They will operate under their usual schedules on November 11th, barring any local holidays.
Canadian Markets: The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) observes several holidays, some of which align with U.S. holidays (like Christmas and New Year's Day), but it does not typically close for Veterans Day. It adheres to its own list of statutory holidays in Canada.

Potential Coincidences:

It is possible, though relatively uncommon, for November 11th to coincide with a holiday in another country. For example, if November 11th is Remembrance Day in Commonwealth countries (like Canada, Australia, or the UK, though its observance can vary), some local markets might have limited activity or closures. However, Remembrance Day and Veterans Day are distinct observances with differing scopes and official closures across nations.

Impact on U.S. Investors:

For U.S.-based investors tracking global markets, it's important to be aware of these differing schedules. While you can trade U.S. stocks, volatility or trends in international markets might be influenced by their closures or openings on November 11th. It's always advisable to check the specific holiday calendars for any international markets you are actively trading or monitoring.

Best Practices and Common Mistakes

Navigating financial markets on holidays requires attention to detail. Here are some best practices and common mistakes to avoid concerning Veterans Day:

Best Practices:

Verify Market Status: Always confirm the trading status of the specific market or exchange you intend to trade. While NYSE and Nasdaq are open, the U.S. bond market is closed. International markets have their own schedules.
Check the Calendar: Note whether November 11th falls on a weekday or a weekend. If it's a Saturday, the market is open Friday. If it's a Sunday, the market is closed the following Monday.
Monitor Volume and Volatility: Be aware that trading volume might be slightly lower if many participants choose to take time off, potentially leading to increased volatility, especially in less liquid stocks.
Plan Trades in Advance: If you have specific trading strategies timed for Veterans Day, ensure they account for the market's operational status and potential shifts in liquidity.
Understand Related Market Closures: Recognize that the closure of the bond market could affect broader market sentiment or liquidity for certain asset classes.

Common Mistakes:

Assuming All Markets are Closed: The most frequent mistake is assuming that because it's a federal holiday, all financial markets will be closed, similar to Christmas or Thanksgiving. This is incorrect for Veterans Day.
Ignoring Weekend Shifts: Failing to check how weekend dates for Veterans Day affect the observed holiday and subsequent market closures (or lack thereof).
Trading Without Confirmation: Placing trades based on assumptions about market hours without double-checking official exchange calendars.
Overlooking International Markets: Not realizing that international markets operate independently and may have different holiday schedules, potentially impacting global portfolio performance.
Disregarding Bond Market Closure: Not factoring in the closure of the U.S. bond market, which could influence the overall financial environment on that day.

By adhering to these best practices and being mindful of common pitfalls, investors and traders can successfully manage their activities around Veterans Day, ensuring they are informed and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the stock market open on Veterans Day? A1: Yes, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are open for regular trading hours on Veterans Day (November 11th), as it is not one of the mandated stock market holidays.

Q2: Does the bond market close on Veterans Day? A2: Yes, the U.S. bond market, including Treasury markets, is closed on Veterans Day. This is different from the stock market's schedule.

Q3: What happens if Veterans Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday? A3: If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, the stock market remains open on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, the stock market is closed on the following Monday.

Q4: Are international stock markets open on Veterans Day? A4: International stock markets operate independently. They are generally open on Veterans Day unless it coincides with one of their own national holidays. — Lbs To Lbs And Oz: A Complete Conversion Guide

Q5: Which federal holidays does the stock market close for? A5: The NYSE and Nasdaq typically close for ten holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Q6: Can I trade Forex on Veterans Day? A6: Yes, the Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, and is typically open on Veterans Day.

Conclusion: Stay Informed for Veterans Day Trading

Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, stands as a significant day of national recognition. For those involved in the financial markets, understanding its specific impact is key. Unlike many federal holidays that bring Wall Street to a standstill, Veterans Day sees the NYSE and Nasdaq remain open for standard trading hours. This continuity allows for regular investment and trading activities, though it's crucial to remember that the U.S. bond market observes the holiday with a closure.

Always verify the trading schedules for the specific markets you engage with, especially noting how weekend dates for November 11th can shift observed closures. By staying informed and planning accordingly, you can navigate the financial landscape effectively around this important observance.

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Last updated: November 26, 2023, 03:11 UTC