Is the Stock Market Open on MLK Day? 2026 Hours Guide

If you're considering trading U.S. markets in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of those holidays that can unexpectedly cause issues. The short answer is simple.

No, the U.S. stock market is not open on MLK Day in 2026. The holiday falls on Monday, January 19, 2026, and the U.S. equity and options markets are closed.

That means:

• NYSE-listed stocks are not trading.

• Nasdaq-listed stocks are not trading.

• U.S equity options markets that follow the U.S holiday schedule are closed.

Regular stock market trading resumes on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Is the Stock Market Open on MLK Day 2026?

If you are trading U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, or listed options, you should plan for no regular session that day.

What Time Is the "Normal" Us Stock Market Session (For the Next Trading Day)?

Although MLK Day is a holiday, it's useful to be aware of the regular hours for Tuesday.

During a standard business day, the main trading hours of the NYSE are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, with additional sessions scheduled around it based on the location and instrument.

What Is Closed and What Is Open on MLK Day 2026?

Two practical points to note:

• Most retail investors cannot trade U.S.-listed shares on MLK Day because the listing exchanges are closed.

• Not everything stops moving. Futures, FX, and cryptocurrencies can continue to trade, and news can still emerge. That is why Tuesday can open with a gap.

Why Liquidity Feels Different Before and After MLK Day

Even with cash equities shut, information continues circulating.

1) Friday Can Become a "Positioning" Session

When traders know Monday is closed, they often reduce risk earlier. That can make Friday's close feel more important than usual, especially for options positioning and for funds that rebalance on a weekly schedule.

2) Tuesday Can Gap More Than You Expect

Two calendar days of headlines can accumulate without a listed equity session to digest them. If futures trade in reduced windows and liquidity is thin, the first full equity reaction can land at Tuesday's open.

What Are the Upcoming U.S. Stock Holidays After MLK Day?

If you are planning ahead, here are the next major U.S. equity market holidays after MLK Day on the 2026 schedule:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Stock Market Open on MLK Day 2026?

No. NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

2. When Does Normal Stock Trading Resume After MLK Day?

Normal U.S. stock trading resumes on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with the regular 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET session.

3. Can I Place Stock Orders on MLK Day?

Many brokers allow order entry, but orders do not execute on U.S. exchanges while the market is closed. Check your order type and expiration rules with your broker.

Conclusion

In summary, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq follow the holiday closure for U.S. equity and options markets. The bond market is also expected to be closed.

If you trade around this holiday, the goal is not to predict a big move. The goal is to avoid preventable mistakes. You should clean up orders before the weekend, respect thinner liquidity in any holiday-session futures trading, and be ready for a more active Tuesday open as the market catches up.

Disclaimer: This material is for general information purposes only and is not intended as (and should not be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by Anshin or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.