Thanksgiving 2025: Market Closures and Adjusted Trading Hours
The U.S. stock market, featuring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will close on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving. This annual federal holiday halts domestic equity trading, leaving traders and investors to strategize for the days ahead. Here’s what you need to know, including trading schedules, international market activity, historical trends, and tips for navigating this condensed trading week.
Friday Trading Resumes with Shortened Hours
While Thanksgiving Day pauses all trading activities, the markets reopen on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, albeit with a shortened schedule. Trading starts at the usual time of 9:30 a.m. ET but will close early at 1:00 p.m. ET. This early closure is standard practice for the Friday following Thanksgiving, giving investors a limited window to capitalize on post-holiday market trends.
How International Markets Operate During Thanksgiving
Though the U.S. markets are on pause, international exchanges remain operational. Markets in Asia (Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong) and Europe (London) will proceed with normal hours on Thursday, creating opportunities for traders with access to foreign markets. However, liquidity might be affected due to the absence of U.S. investors.
Historical Market Performance During Thanksgiving Week
While Thanksgiving week often shows positive returns for stocks, recent trends offer a more cautious outlook. In 2024, the S&P 500 saw a gain of 1.1% during this week, while the 10-year average gain sits at 0.3%. However, 2025 has been marked by volatility amid ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) valuations and a tech-heavy market backdrop. By late November, the S&P 500 reported a 0.4% decline, diverging from the bullish trend in 2024 that featured a 5% rise in the same period.
Travel and Logistics on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving affects more than just trading hours. Here’s a quick overview of closures:
- Banking: Banks across the United States will be closed, as Thanksgiving is a recognized federal holiday by the Federal Reserve.
- Shipping Services: UPS, USPS, and FedEx modify their services. Most operations, including domestic and international shipping, will be unavailable. UPS Stores may operate on a limited basis.
- Mail: The U.S. Postal Service won’t process mail or open post office locations.
Thanksgiving’s Historical Significance
Declared a federal holiday in 1863 during the Civil War by President Abraham Lincoln, Thanksgiving became a celebrated national tradition. It wasn’t until 1941, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, that Thanksgiving was permanently fixed to the fourth Thursday of November. Today, it continues to be recognized as a day for family, gratitude, and annual traditions like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Tips for Investors: Preparing for the Post-Holiday Market
If you’re planning trades amid the holiday slowdown, consider focusing on sectors primed for growth. Tech and AI stocks may present opportunities despite November’s volatility. For in-depth financial insights, explore tools like the Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, a highly recommended resource for developing long-term investment strategies.
As trading wraps up early on Friday, avoid making hasty decisions and instead use this condensed timeframe to review portfolio performance and strategize for the end-of-year cycle.
