Stock Market Preps For Easter Break. See When Wall Street Closes.

• The S&P 500 has historically averaged a 0.77% gain during Easter week over the past 60 years, rising to 1.49% average since 2000, with most gains occurring on Maundy Thursday
• Good Friday has been recognized as a stock market holiday since 1864, with the NYSE opening only three times on that day (1898, 1906, 1907)
• All major stock indexes have tumbled below their 200-day moving averages since conflict in Iran began in late February 2026

Market Summary: Stock Market Easter Holiday Schedule 2026

Key Holiday Information

Wall Street will observe its traditional Easter holiday closure on Friday, April 3, 2026 (Good Friday), providing a brief respite from recent market volatility. While federal offices and banks remain open, stock markets will be fully closed. Bond markets will operate normally but close early at noon ET on Good Friday. Regular trading will continue on April 2 (Maundy Thursday).

Market Context

The stock market has experienced significant pressure since late February, entering a sharp downtrend following the outbreak of war in Iran. All major indexes have fallen below their 200-day moving averages, indicating heightened market stress heading into the holiday break.

Historical Performance Data

Easter week has historically been positive for equities:

• Over the past 60 years, the S&P 500 averaged gains of 0.77% during Easter week
• Since 2000, average Easter week returns improved to 1.49%
• Most gains historically occur on Maundy Thursday, which has been one of the market's most consistently positive trading days

The NYSE first recognized Good Friday as a market holiday in 1864, and has only opened three times on this day since (1898, 1906, 1907).

Complete 2026 Market Holiday Schedule

Additional closures include Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19), Presidents Day (Feb. 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day observed (July 3), Labor Day (Sept. 7), Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), and Christmas (Dec. 25).