U.S. stock and bond markets will be closed on Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday, giving investors a break after a period of volatility driven by speculation about artificial intelligence and the ongoing war in Iran. While stock markets will maintain normal hours on Friday, the U.S. bond market is scheduled for an early close at 2 p.m. Eastern time.
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommends an early close for the U.S. bond market on the Friday before Memorial Day. This is a long-standing tradition based on the typically low trading volume as many market participants begin their holiday weekend.
All U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will operate during their usual 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time session on Friday, May 22. However, the bond market will conclude its session two hours early. Both markets will remain closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the federal holiday honoring fallen U.S. military personnel.
The break comes after a period of significant market activity. Investors have been navigating the potential for mega-IPOs from companies like SpaceX and OpenAI, while also weighing the impact of the Iran war on global energy prices and Asian currencies. The holiday weekend will provide a pause for traders to assess these factors before both markets reopen for normal trading hours on Tuesday, May 26.
Trading Hours
- Friday, May 22, 2026:
- U.S. Stock Market: Normal hours (9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET)
- U.S. Bond Market: Closes early at 2 p.m. ET
- Monday, May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day):
- U.S. Stock Market: Closed
- U.S. Bond Market: Closed
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026:
- Both markets resume normal trading hours.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.