NewsGlobalUS Stock Markets Close Early December 24, Remain Shut Christmas Day Amid Holiday TradingUS Stock Markets Close Early December 24, Remain Shut Christmas Day Amid Holiday Trading
U.S. financial markets will observe Christmas holiday schedule with early closure on December 24 at 1:00 PM ET and full closure on Christmas Day. Markets showed mixed performance with S&P 500 gaining 0.10% while Nasdaq declined 0.10% as investors position for potential Santa Claus rally heading into 2026.
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U.S. financial markets will close early at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on December 24 for Christmas Eve and remain shut on December 25 for Christmas Day. Normal trading hours will resume on December 26, as Wall Street prepares for the traditional holiday trading period.
Christmas Holiday Trading Schedule
According to the NYSE calendar, December 25 is designated as a holiday for Christmas, meaning no trading activities will take place across all US stock exchanges. The announcement provides essential guidance for market participants planning their trading activities during the holiday season.
| Date: | Trading Status |
|---|---|
| December 24: | Early Close - 1:00 PM ET |
| December 25: | Closed - Christmas Day |
| December 26: | Normal Trading Hours |
Current Market Performance
Wall Street stocks were largely flat in early trading on December 24, pausing after a record-setting session backed by strong U.S. economic data. The latest market performance shows mixed results across major indices.
| Index: | Level | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500: | 6,913.04 | +0.10% |
| Dow Jones: | 48,516.22 | +0.20% |
| Nasdaq: | 23,544.20 | -0.10% |
Market Outlook and Santa Claus Rally
Investors are now looking for a traditional "Santa Claus" rally heading into 2026, a period that often sees markets drift higher due to thin trading and limited economic triggers. Focus remains on the health of the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserve's next policy move, with investors largely expecting rates to stay unchanged at the January meeting.
Recent data point to elevated inflation and fragile consumer confidence amid persistent price pressures. The labour market has shown signs of cooling and retail sales have softened, though weekly jobless claims dipped last week and remain at historically healthy levels.
Trading Schedule Beyond Christmas
Stock and bond markets will resume normal operations on December 26, with regular trading hours restored on Wall Street. The next scheduled market closure will occur on January 1, 2026, for New Year's Day. For New Year's Eve on December 31, bond markets will close early at 2:00 PM ET, while NASDAQ and NYSE will maintain regular trading schedules for stock transactions.
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