Is the Stock Market Closed on Good Friday 2026?
Yes, the stock market is closed on Good Friday. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday. Trading will resume on Monday, April 6, 2026. The U.S. bond market will also partially close, shutting down at noon ET on Good Friday, according to SIFMA guidelines. If you were planning to execute trades this Friday, you'll need to wait until next week.
With Good Friday falling on April 3, 2026 — just one day away — searches about market closures are surging. Here's everything you need to know about what's open, what's closed, and how to plan accordingly.
Stock Market Hours on Good Friday 2026
Good Friday is one of the relatively few days each year when U.S. equity markets go completely dark. Here's a quick breakdown of market status for the holiday weekend:
- NYSE: Closed all day on April 3, 2026
- Nasdaq: Closed all day on April 3, 2026
- U.S. Bond Market: Early close at noon ET on April 3, 2026
- Market Reopening: Monday, April 6, 2026, at regular trading hours
For more details on the 2026 holiday schedule, see the full NYSE holiday calendar here.
Why Are Stock Markets Closed on Good Friday?
Good Friday has been a traditional stock market holiday in the United States for well over a century. The NYSE and Nasdaq both observe it as an annual market holiday, regardless of whether it falls on a federally designated holiday — and here's the important nuance: Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States.
Despite not being federally recognized, Good Friday holds significant cultural and religious weight, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and falling two days before Easter Sunday. It is recognized as a state public holiday in states such as Delaware and New Jersey, though most of the country treats it as a regular workday.
The stock exchange closures are entirely the decision of the exchanges themselves, not a government mandate. The exchanges have consistently maintained Good Friday as a holiday closure given its long-standing tradition and widespread observance.
What About Banks, USPS, and Other Services?
While markets are shut, most other financial and commercial services will be running normally this Good Friday. Here's a quick rundown:
- Banks: Most major U.S. banks will be open for regular business hours on Good Friday. Since it's not a federal holiday, there's no mandate for bank closures.
- USPS: The U.S. Postal Service will operate with normal service — mail will be delivered as usual on April 3, 2026.
- UPS and FedEx: Both major carriers will also operate normally, with package pickups and deliveries continuing as scheduled.
- Retailers and Restaurants: Most major retailers and restaurants are expected to be open as usual on Good Friday.
So while your brokerage account may be quiet, your local bank branch and Amazon deliveries are still running. See the full breakdown of what's closed on Good Friday here.
Good Friday 2026 and the Holiday Weekend Context
This year, Good Friday falls during a particularly significant stretch of the calendar. Holy Week began with Palm Sunday on March 29, 2026, and runs through Easter Sunday. Simultaneously, Passover week runs from April 1–9, 2026, meaning both major religious observances overlap this year — a relatively rare alignment that adds extra significance to the holiday weekend for many Americans.
Easter Sunday itself falls on April 5, 2026, with markets reopening the following day.
How to Prepare for the Market Closure
A one-day market closure might seem minor, but it can affect traders and investors in practical ways. Here are a few things to keep in mind ahead of the long weekend:
- Place trades before Thursday's close: If you need to buy or sell securities, Thursday, April 2, 2026, is your last chance before the holiday weekend. Markets close at their regular time of 4:00 PM ET on Thursday.
- Watch for volatility Thursday: Trading volume can pick up ahead of holiday closures as investors reposition. Be mindful of end-of-day price swings on Thursday.
- Bond market closes early: If you're trading fixed-income securities, remember the bond market shuts at noon ET on Good Friday — earlier than usual.
- Set alerts for Monday morning: Any news breaking over the long weekend — earnings, economic data, geopolitical events — will be priced in when markets open Monday, April 6. Consider setting up price alerts or news notifications.
- Check your brokerage's after-hours policies: Some brokerages allow limited after-hours or pre-market trading, but those windows may also be restricted on exchange holidays.
View the full 2026 stock market holiday schedule here.
Full 2026 Stock Market Holiday Schedule (Remaining)
Good Friday is just one of several market holidays in 2026. Keeping track of these dates helps you plan your trading calendar effectively. Key upcoming closures typically include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — check with your brokerage or the NYSE directly for the complete list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NYSE open on Good Friday?
No. The NYSE is closed all day on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. It will reopen on Monday, April 6, 2026. Learn more about Good Friday closures here.
Can I still trade stocks on Good Friday through my brokerage app?
No standard market orders will execute on Good Friday since the exchanges are closed. Some brokerages offer limited after-hours or extended-hours trading, but availability is typically restricted on exchange holidays. Check directly with your brokerage for their specific holiday policies.
Is Good Friday a federal holiday?
No, Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States. However, it is observed as a state holiday in certain states like Delaware and New Jersey, and it is a traditional stock market holiday regardless of federal status.
When will the stock market reopen after Good Friday?
The NYSE and Nasdaq will reopen at their regular hours on Monday, April 6, 2026. Check current trading hour updates here.
Bottom line: The NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. The bond market closes at noon ET. Most banks, postal services, and retailers remain open. Markets reopen Monday, April 6 — so plan your trades accordingly.
