19th January 2026
Let’s be real: these days, it feels like you can’t scroll, click, or even walk down the street without hearing about inflation, the Fed, or what the market did before your morning coffee. As the great Kai Ryssdal reminds us daily, “the stock market is not the economy.” But for many of us? It’s our personal financial weather report. We watch it, we track it, and yes we definitely need to know when it takes a day off.
So, if you’re someone who likes to keep tabs on your portfolio, here’s your friendly heads-up: The U.S. stock markets will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Simple Breakdown: What’s Closed & When
No need to read between the lines here’s exactly what you need to know:
- 🗓️ The Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (observed on the third Monday in January).
- 📉 The Markets: Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be fully closed.
⏰ The Timeline:
- Friday, January 16: Last trading day before the holiday. Markets open normal hours (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET).
- Monday, January 19: MARKETS CLOSED.
- Tuesday, January 20: Back to business as usual at 9:30 AM ET.
Think of it as a mandatory pause button for your portfolio. A chance to take a breath without checking those tickers.
Wait, What About Other Holidays?
MLK Day is one of ten full-day closures for U.S. stock markets each year. In general, Wall Street follows the federal holiday calendar with a few exceptions (Columbus Day and Veterans Day, when markets stay open).
Save this list it’s a handy reference for every investor.
| Holiday | Typically Observed On |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) | Third Monday in February |
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Pro Tip
If a holiday falls on a weekend, U.S. stock markets observe the closure on the nearest weekday. Simple and essential to remember when planning trades.
Your MLK Day Market Checklist: 3 Things to Do
A market holiday isn’t just a day off it’s a small opportunity.
- Plan Ahead: Need to move money or place a trade? Get it done by 4 PM ET on Friday, January 16. Settlements will be pushed to Tuesday.
- Don’t Panic About Global Markets: International exchanges (like in London or Tokyo) will be open. This can sometimes cause a little extra movement when the U.S. reopens on Tuesday. It’s normal no need to stress.
- Use the Pause: This is your permission slip to not check your investing apps for a day. Read a book, go for a walk, or reflect on the incredible legacy of Dr. King that we honor on this day.
FQAs (Frequently Questioned Answers)
Yes, crypto markets never sleep. But remember, they can be extra jumpy when traditional markets are closed.
Nope. When the market is closed, it’s all closed no pre-market or after-hours sessions.
Yes, U.S. bond markets are closed. Futures markets have modified hours; they typically close early the Friday before.
The Bottom Line
On Monday, January 19, 2026, the trading floors will be quiet. It’s a day for the nation and for investors to pause, reflect, and honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
So, enjoy the long weekend. Let your investments rest, and come back refreshed and ready for whatever Tuesday brings. The market will be there when you get back.
Conclusion: A Day of Remembrance and Preparation
While the engines of capitalism pause to honor a champion of justice and equality, the savvy investor knows this isn’t just a day off it’s a strategic breather. The closure provides a forced, and often useful, interruption to the market’s constant churn. It’s an opportunity to ensure your portfolio aligns with your convictions and your strategy, not just the day’s headlines. Let the charts go flat for a day; use the time to sharpen your focus for Tuesdays open.
Official Source for Confirmation:
- NYSE Official Holiday Schedule: https://www.nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars
Disclaimer: The news and information presented on our platform, Thriver Media, are curated from verified and authentic sources, including major news agencies and official channels.
Want more? Subscribe to Thriver Media and never miss a beat.
