U.S. Markets to Close for Independence Day with Early Thursday Finish
Wall Street will observe a shortened trading session on Thursday, July 3, ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with major exchanges closing early before remaining shuttered on Friday, July 4.
Market Schedule Details:
- Equity Markets (NYSE & Nasdaq): Close at 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday
- U.S. Bond Market: Closes at 2:00 p.m. ET on Thursday
- Full Closure: All markets remain closed Friday for Independence Day
The early closures align with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) holiday schedule. Trading will resume under normal hours on Monday, July 7.
A Brief History of Independence Day Observance
The tradition of celebrating July 4th traces back to 1777, when Philadelphians held the first anniversary commemoration of the Declaration of Independence—a moment John Adams described in a letter to his daughter as a “spontaneous celebration.” However, widespread annual observance only became customary after the War of 1812, with major infrastructure projects like the Erie Canal and Baltimore & Ohio Railroad deliberately timing their groundbreaking ceremonies to coincide with festivities.
Independence Day was officially designated a federal holiday in 1870, formalizing the nationwide celebrations that now include fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays.
Looking Ahead: Next Market Holiday
Following the Fourth of July break, Wall Street will operate uninterrupted until Labor Day on Monday, September 1, the next scheduled market closure.
Investors should anticipate lower liquidity and reduced trading volumes during Thursday’s abbreviated session, with many institutional participants expected to remain sidelined ahead of the long weekend.
As the nation celebrates its 248th birthday, financial markets will pause—offering traders and investors a brief respite before the second half of 2025’s trading calendar unfolds.
Key Takeaways:
- Early Close: Stocks halt at 1 p.m. ET Thursday; bonds at 2 p.m. ET
- Full Closure: No trading Friday, July 4
- Historical Significance: July 4th became a federal holiday in 1870
- Next Break: Markets reopen Monday before closing again September 1 for Labor Day