Is the Stock Market Closed on Good Friday 2025? Holiday Schedule Explained

As investors prepare for the Easter weekend, major U.S. stock exchanges will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, in observance of Good Friday. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will halt trading for the day, while bond markets will close early on Thursday ahead of the holiday. This annual closure affects millions of investors and raises questions about what’s open, what’s closed, and how to navigate the shortened trading week.

What’s Closed and What’s Open: The Good Friday 2025 Schedule

All major U.S. equity markets will be shut down on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq Stock Market will both be closed, as confirmed by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) holiday schedule. Bond markets will also observe the holiday, closing early at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 17, known as Maundy Thursday.

While stock and bond markets are closed, other services operate normally. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will deliver mail and keep post offices open, since Good Friday is not a federal holiday. UPS and FedEx will also conduct business as usual, according to their published holiday schedules. Most banks will remain open, though hours may vary by institution—many choose to close early or operate on reduced schedules.

Key Dates for Investors: From Early Closures to Market Reopenings

The timeline for Good Friday 2025 market closures is straightforward but important for investors to note:

• Thursday, April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Bond markets close early at 2 p.m. ET. Stock markets remain open normal hours.
• Friday, April 18 (Good Friday): All U.S. stock exchanges (NYSE, Nasdaq) and bond markets are closed.
• Saturday, April 19: Normal weekend closure.
• Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday): Markets closed.
• Monday, April 21: U.S. stock and bond markets reopen at 9:30 a.m. ET.

International markets follow different schedules. Many European and Asian exchanges will also be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, which can create liquidity gaps for global investors.

Why Good Friday Matters for Investors and Market Liquidity

Good Friday is one of ten annual market holidays observed by U.S. exchanges. While it’s a Christian observance, the closure has practical implications for market liquidity and trading activity. Historically, the week leading up to Good Friday often sees increased volatility as investors adjust positions ahead of the long weekend.

“The day before Good Friday is often positive for stocks,” notes a recent MarketWatch analysis. “But with markets closed for three consecutive days (Friday through Sunday), any geopolitical or economic news over the weekend can lead to gap moves when trading resumes on Monday.”

For bond traders, the early closure on Thursday means reduced trading hours and potentially thinner liquidity. The bond market also closes early on the Friday before Memorial Day (May 23, 2025) and the day before Independence Day (July 3, 2025), as outlined in the SIFMA holiday calendar.

Where Things Stand: Latest Updates on Good Friday Market Closures

As of April 2025, the holiday schedule is confirmed by all major exchanges. The NYSE and Nasdaq have published their full 2025 holiday calendars, which include closures for New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Notably, the stock market does not close early on the day before Good Friday—only bond markets have an early closure. This differs from Thanksgiving week, when both stock and bond markets close early on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Investors should also be aware that while U.S. markets are closed, some electronic trading platforms and overseas exchanges may offer limited access. However, liquidity is typically minimal, and spreads can be wider.

Looking Ahead: Market Reopening and Upcoming Holiday Closures

When markets reopen on Monday, April 21, traders will be watching for any developments over the Easter weekend that could impact prices. Historically, the week after Easter has shown a slight positive bias, though past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The next market holiday after Good Friday is Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. On that day, both stock and bond markets will be closed. Before that, bond markets will close early at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23, while stock markets will operate normal hours.

For long-term investors, these scheduled closures are routine and should not drastically alter investment strategies. However, active traders may need to adjust their risk management and position sizing to account for reduced liquidity around holiday periods.

The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember

• NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on Good Friday, April 18, 2025.
• Bond markets close early at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 17.
• USPS, UPS, and FedEx operate normally; banks may have reduced hours.
• Markets reopen on Monday, April 21 at 9:30 a.m. ET.
• Good Friday is one of ten annual market holidays—plan accordingly.

By staying informed about market hours and holiday schedules, investors can avoid unnecessary surprises and manage their portfolios effectively throughout the year.