New York, March 29, 2024 – Financial markets in the United States are closed today in observance of Good Friday, a significant religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, and bond markets all ceased operations to mark the solemn occasion.
“The NYSE and Nasdaq trading floors went quiet at the close of business yesterday,” said Christina Wood, a spokeswoman for the exchange. “Market participants are taking a pause to observe the Easter traditions.”
While the secular marshaling of capitalism takes a holiday break, the cadence of 21st century markets ensures only a temporary lull. Electronic trading platforms stand ready to route orders when the opening bell sounds on Wall Street Monday morning.
The Good Friday market holiday dates back decades when the New York Stock Exchange first started observing a handful of Christian holy days. In recent years, the multi-trillion dollar U.S. stock market has pared its calendar down to just nine trading holidays annually.
Following the Good Friday pause, the next market closure will be for Memorial Day on May 27th, honoring the nation’s fallen military service members. A short trading week follows in mid-June when markets close early on June 19th for the newer Juneteenth federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
The summer lull offers a brief respite before the capitalistic churn resumes at full force in early September. The fall then marches on with a November break for Thanksgiving leading right into the holiday season closure for Christmas on December 25th.
While stock traders take the day off, the hustle of commerce worldwide continues unabated. Markets in major financial centers like London, Tokyo and Hong Kong all remained open today, buying and selling a ceaseless flow of stocks, bonds, currencies and commodities.
Back on Wall Street, the opening bell beckons stock operators to return Monday morning, rested and ready to rejoin the never-ending chase of profit and gains. Faith and secular calendars once again neatly align.
