TLDR
NYSE and Nasdaq are closed Monday, February 16, 2026, for the Presidents Day federal holiday
Bond markets and OTC trading platforms will also suspend operations for Washington’s Birthday
Global stock exchanges in Europe and Asia continue normal trading schedules
Federal Reserve banks and USPS close while UPS maintains regular service and FedEx offers limited operations
The holiday honors George Washington but never occurs on his actual February 22 birthday
Wall Street takes a pause on Monday, February 16, 2026, as financial markets close for Presidents Day. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will not conduct trading sessions.
This break comes during a volatile February for stocks. The S&P 500 saw investors shift from software companies into energy and consumer staples sectors.
Bond markets will remain closed throughout Monday. Over-the-counter trading platforms will also suspend their operations for the federal holiday.
Global Markets Continue Trading
European and Asian stock exchanges will maintain their regular schedules on Monday. The London Stock Exchange opens for business as usual.
Paris-based Euronext will conduct normal trading operations. The Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo stock exchanges will all remain active.
This creates a disconnect in global market activity. U.S. traders rest while their international counterparts continue working.
Federal Services and Banking
Federal Reserve banks close their doors for the holiday. Most commercial banks follow the Fed’s calendar and will not open physical branches.
Customers can still access ATMs across the country. Online and mobile banking platforms remain functional throughout the day.
The U.S. Postal Service stops all mail delivery and collection. Post offices will be closed to the public.
Package Delivery Options
UPS provides full service on Presidents Day with standard pickup and delivery times. The company treats Monday as a regular business day.
FedEx operates with modified service levels. Some locations offer early on-call pickup options and drop box collection.
FedEx freight divisions run at full capacity. The company’s office, critical shipments, and logistics departments maintain complete operations.
Understanding the Holiday
Federal law designates this holiday as Washington’s Birthday, established by Congress in 1885. The name Presidents Day is informal and not the official title.
George Washington entered the world on February 22, 1732. The 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the celebration to the third Monday in February.
This scheduling decision means the holiday can never align with Washington’s true birth date. The earliest possible date is February 15 and the latest is February 21.
Some states commemorate both Washington and Abraham Lincoln on this day. Lincoln was born February 12, 1809.
The stock market reopens for regular trading on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Investors can resume buying and selling securities at standard opening times.
February continues to test market participants with rapid price movements. Software stocks experienced selling pressure before recovering ground.
Trading volume typically decreases in the days surrounding holiday closures. Many institutional investors and professional traders take extended breaks during three-day weekends.
