Bond Market Holidays: Good Friday Open Or Closed?

The US bond market is closed on Good Friday, which falls on Friday, March 29, 2024. Good Friday is not a federal holiday, but it is a holiday for the stock and bond markets. The bond market also closes early, at 2 pm ET, on the Thursday before Good Friday.

The US bond market is closed on Good Friday

While Good Friday is not a federal holiday, it is a stock market holiday, and the bond market typically follows the same holiday schedule as the stock market. This means that both markets will be closed on Good Friday, providing investors with an extended Easter weekend.

It is important to note that bond markets also have some early and additional closures throughout the year. For example, the bond market closed early at 2 pm ET on Thursday, March 28, 2024, for Maundy Thursday, which is the day before Good Friday.

The bond market holiday schedule for 2024 includes other holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, the Friday before Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, the Monday before Independence Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.

The US stock market is also closed on Good Friday

The stock market will be closed on Friday, March 29, 2024, for Good Friday. Bond markets will also be closed on this day, and will close early, at 2 pm Eastern Time, on Thursday, March 28, for Maundy Thursday.

The US stock market usually operates from Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. ET. However, there are some exceptions to this schedule, such as early closures on the day before Independence Day, Black Friday, and Christmas Eve.

It is important to note that while the stock and bond markets are closed on Good Friday, banks will remain open as it is not one of their designated holidays.

The day before Good Friday, the bond market closes early

The bond market is a crucial component of the global financial system, and its operating hours are of interest to investors and traders worldwide. In the United States, the bond market generally follows a standard schedule, operating from Monday to Friday. However, there are exceptions to this schedule, particularly when holidays come into play.

Good Friday is one such occasion when the bond market observes a break in its regular operations. While Good Friday itself is a holiday for the bond market, it is important to note that the day before Good Friday also sees an early closure. On the Thursday before Good Friday, often known as Maundy Thursday, the bond market closes early, bringing trading activities to a close earlier than the standard end-of-day time.

For example, in 2024, with Good Friday falling on Friday, March 29, the bond market will close early at 2 pm Eastern Time on Thursday, March 28. This early closure allows traders and financial professionals to enjoy an extended Easter weekend, providing a brief respite from the typically fast-paced world of finance. It is always advisable to check the holiday schedule for the bond market, as published by organizations like the Securities Industry and Financial Markets (SIFMA), to stay informed about any early closures or full-day holidays.

The early closure of the bond market on the day before Good Friday is a standard practice, and it is in line with the broader trend of early closures on the day before major holidays. This practice takes into account the needs of market participants, ensuring they can make plans and adjustments to their trading strategies accordingly. While the bond market closes early, it is worth noting that banks typically remain open on Good Friday, providing continuity for certain financial services.

Good Friday is not a federal holiday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday each year. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is considered the start of the most important weekend in the Christian faith. While it is not a federal holiday in the US, it is recognised as a state holiday in 12 states: Connecticut, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, Hawaii, Delaware, Louisiana, Kentucky, North Dakota, and North Carolina.

On federal holidays, all non-essential government employees have the day off, and most government offices are closed. However, on Good Friday, government offices and services remain open. For example, the United States Postal Service operates as usual, and banks are also generally open.

However, Good Friday is a recognised holiday for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq. According to tradition, the NYSE closes completely on nine holidays and has one early close each year, and Good Friday is one of these holidays. Therefore, the stock market is closed on Good Friday.

Good Friday is also a day of fasting for the Catholic Church, and Catholics often perform the devotion known as the Stations of the Cross, a 14-step ritual that commemorates the events of the holy day.

Banks are open on Good Friday

Good Friday, the day in which Christian and Catholic churches across the world commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, is almost here. But what about those with banking needs? Will banks be open on Good Friday?

The answer is yes. Banks are open on Good Friday. While Good Friday is not a bank holiday, most banks follow the Federal Reserve System's holiday calendar, which does not recognise Good Friday as a holiday. Capital One, Bank of America, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase, among others, confirmed that their branches would be open on Friday.

However, it's always a good idea to check with your local branch, as there may be modifications to their hours. Additionally, while banks may be open, some banking services may be limited due to the holiday. So, if you have specific banking needs, it's worth contacting your bank ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate your request.

It's worth noting that while banks are open, the stock market and bond markets will be closed on Good Friday. Bond markets will be closed starting at 2 pm Eastern on Thursday, March 28, for Maundy Thursday, and the stock market will also be closed on Friday. So, if you need to conduct any transactions involving stocks or bonds, you'll need to do so before the holiday.

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