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Thanksgiving: U.S. Equities and Derivatives Markets Close Entirely

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  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ties-and-derivatives-markets-close-entirely.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 6:02 GMT by Investopedia

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Is the Stock Market Open for Thanksgiving and Black‑Friday Holiday Trading?
An Investopedia Overview

The question that keeps investors awake at night every year of the holiday season is: “Will I be able to trade on Thanksgiving? What about Black Friday?” The article on Investopedia tackles this question head‑on, breaking down the holiday calendar, the mechanics of post‑holiday trading, and the subtle nuances that can affect an investor’s ability to place orders. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points, the supporting information, and the additional resources the article links to for readers who want a deeper dive.

1. The Core Question

The piece begins by noting the confusion that often surrounds holiday trading. Some investors think that the market simply closes on every holiday, while others are unaware that the big “shopping day” of Black Friday actually falls on a regular trading day. The article states plainly:

“Thanksgiving is a full holiday for the NYSE and Nasdaq – the exchanges are closed for the entire day. Black Friday is a regular trading day, but with limited pre‑market and post‑market activity.”

2. Thanksgiving: Full Closure

• NYSE and Nasdaq: The article confirms that both major U.S. equity exchanges shut down at the end of the regular trading day on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. The market reopens the following Monday at 9:30 a.m. ET, but only for the usual 6.5‑hour session (9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET).
• Other Market Participants: The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) all close on the same day.
• Why It Matters: The full closure can affect the liquidity of underlying futures, options, and related derivatives that normally trade around the holiday. Traders are advised to account for this when planning their strategies.

3. Black Friday: A Normal Trading Day with a Twist

The article explains that Black Friday is a trading day, but the market behaves a little differently:

The article emphasizes that while the market is open, “liquidity can be thin and spreads wider, especially in the pre‑market and after‑market windows.” This is because many institutional traders are out of the office and focus on end‑of‑year hedging rather than day‑trading.

4. The Holiday Calendar for 2023‑2025

To give readers context, the article includes a quick reference table for the upcoming holiday dates:

It clarifies that the NYSE and Nasdaq remain closed only on the Thursday preceding Black Friday, and that the market re‑opens for a normal 6.5‑hour session on Monday.

5. Extended Hours and Holiday Trading: A Quick Primer

The article links to two additional Investopedia pages that explain extended hours and holiday trading mechanics:

• “What Are Holiday Trading Hours?”
  This page breaks down how exchanges handle trading around holidays, the concept of “holiday trading windows,” and how brokers implement these windows.

• “What Is After‑Hours Trading?”
  It discusses the rules, risks, and benefits of trading after the official closing time, and notes that after‑hours liquidity is highly volatile.

These links give readers a chance to understand the broader regulatory framework and the practical implications of holiday trading.

6. Practical Tips for Investors

Based on the article’s analysis, the following actionable recommendations are offered:

1. Plan Ahead – If you’re interested in buying or selling on Black Friday, place your orders during the regular trading window to avoid the low liquidity of pre‑market and after‑market sessions.
2. Use Limit Orders – In volatile post‑holiday sessions, a limit order can protect you from unexpected price swings.
3. Stay Informed About Corporate Events – Companies often schedule earnings releases or major announcements around the holiday period. These events can lead to unusual price movements on Black Friday.
4. Consider ETF and Mutual Fund Restrictions – Some mutual funds and ETFs do not trade on holiday closures, so their NAV calculations may be affected.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The article also features an FAQ that tackles common misconceptions:

• Q: Can I trade futures on Thanksgiving?
  A: No – Futures exchanges like CME and ICE close for the entire day.

• Q: Will I still get my dividends if I own a stock on Thanksgiving?
  A: Yes – Dividend records are set on the day before the record date, not the holiday itself.

• Q: Do options expire on Thanksgiving?
  A: Options expire at the close of the last trading day before the expiry date, which could be the day before Thanksgiving if the expiry falls on that day.

8. Bottom Line

Investopedia’s article delivers a clear, concise answer:
Thanksgiving is a full holiday for U.S. equity and derivatives exchanges, but Black Friday is a regular trading day with the caveat that liquidity outside the standard 9:30–4:00 p.m. window can be sparse. By understanding the calendar, the mechanics of pre‑ and after‑market trading, and the practical tips offered, investors can navigate the holiday period with confidence.

Further Reading

For readers who want to explore the nuances of holiday trading further, the article points to a few useful Investopedia resources:

• U.S. Stock Market Holiday Calendar – a complete list of all federal holidays that affect market hours.
• What Is a Trading Day? – an overview of how markets define a “trading day” versus a “holiday.”
• What Are Exchange Holidays? – a deep dive into why exchanges close and the rules governing them.

These links provide a more in‑depth understanding of how holiday schedules shape the U.S. markets, ensuring that investors are well‑prepared for both the quiet days of Thanksgiving and the bustling trading of Black Friday.