No, the U.S. stock market is closed on Good Friday.
Good Friday, observed two days before Easter Sunday, is a Christian feast honouring the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Despite not being a government vacation, the United States recognises it as a market holiday. On this day, the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) remain closed. Furthermore, the bond markets run by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) close early on Holy Thursday and remain closed on Good Friday.
Why Close the Market on Good Friday?
Closing the stock exchange on Good Friday has a centuries-old history. Although the government does not compel it, the financial industry has adopted it as a customary practice. Usually falling in March or April, this festival is one of the few religious holidays that influences American financial markets.
What is the situation with other stock exchanges?
- The Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada has closed.
- Closed at the London Stock Exchange (UK).
- Germany’s Frankfurt Stock Exchange is closed.
- Japan’s Tokyo Stock Exchange is open.
- China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange is open unless it falls on another national holiday.
Thus, even if the U.S. and many European markets are closed, certain Asian markets may stay open, thereby creating a quiet trading day worldwide.
On Good Friday, is there mail delivery?
Indeed, in the United States, Good Friday mail is usually delivered.
Good Friday is not a federal holiday; hence, most government agencies—including the United States Postal Service (USPS)—keep regular operations. Accordingly:
- USPS: Open, consistent mail service plus post office hours.
- UPS: Open using regular pick-up and delivery policies.
- FedEx Ground, Express, and Home Delivery are among the most often used services that are running regularly.
Exceptions to Note: Although the USPS and other commercial carriers such as UPS and FedEx keep their normal schedule, local deviations might exist.
- Certain local government offices may be closed or have reduced hours in places with many Christians or in states like Texas, Louisiana, Delaware, Tennessee, and North Carolina that honour Good Friday as a state holiday.
- Depending on their location, banks may close or run with changed hours.
If you want to ship time-sensitive goods or expect significant mail, always double-check with your local branch or post office.
Conclusions
One of those rare days when the financial markets stop, yet daily life goes as usual for most Americans, is Good Friday. Except for anything related to the stock market, it’s not a government holiday, so you should expect mail delivery, package drop-off, and normal commercial activities.
If you trade or invest, take today to relax, check your portfolio, or schedule your next action for when markets reopen. Should you be sending or receiving mail, everything should arrive on schedule—unless you live in one of the few states that recognises Good Friday as a municipal holiday.
Now you know precisely what to anticipate, whether you’re celebrating the holiday or just trying to schedule your day effectively.
