Stock Market to Cease Trading on Good Friday
The coming Friday, specifically on April 18, is recognized as Good Friday by many, an event that leads to the temporary cessation of certain commercial and service enterprises, inclusive of the stock market. Although Good Friday does not have the status of a national holiday, consideration is given to it as a public holiday in select states, which prompts the closing of businesses in certain regions. A dozen states, for example, Connecticut and New Jersey, honor Good Friday as a public celebration, wherein state administrative entities remain shut for the entirety of the day.
For the followers of Christianity, Good Friday is a day of profound religious importance, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This remarkable event is positioned in the middle of what is traditionally referred to as the Holy Week, culminating with the observance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. In the current year, Good Friday falls on the date of April 18, just a couple of days prior to Easter Sunday, which will be celebrated on April 20.
It’s essential to note that at a national level, Good Friday does not qualify as a public holiday. There’s a certain roster of federal holidays that are designated and observed for the remaining part of this year, as outlined by the Office of Personnel Management, which would include the following: May 26 witnessing the observance of Memorial Day, followed by Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19, then Independence Day on the 4th of July and Labor Day on Sept. 1.
Subsequently, Indigenous People’s Day will be celebrated on the 13th of October, Veterans Day is set for Nov. 11, later in the same month, Thanksgiving Day will be recognized on Nov. 27, and finally on Dec. 25, Christmas Day would be celebrated across the nation.
The U.S. Postal Service does not observe a holiday on Good Friday, ensuring that postal duties are executed as usual, which implies that all scheduled mailings will be delivered as usual. Another notable service, UPS, also adheres to its regular operation timetable on Good Friday, meaning that its shipping services will be accessible.
Also, FedEx, one of the eminent courier companies, maintains its service availability on Good Friday, indicating that their locations are operational and services rendered as it would be on a typical business day.
When it comes to banking institutions, most are likely to remain open on Good Friday. The decision to remain open or closed is usually influenced by the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule. Despite this, the policies might vary across different locations, hence it’s advised to confirm the operational status of your local bank branch.
On the contrary, industry giants like the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange suspend their activities on Good Friday, marking it as a non-trading day.
Post Good Friday, the stock market will revert to its schedule of normal activities, with the trading window opening at 9:30 a.m. on the following Monday, after the holiday.