Columbus Day 2026: Stock Markets Open, USPS and Federal Offices Closed

Key points

• Federal offices and the U.S. Postal Service are closed for the day.
• The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq operate during regular hours.
• The U.S. bond market and Federal Reserve remain closed.
• JPMorgan Chase branches are open, but online transactions are paused.
• Wells Fargo and Bank of America branches are closed.

Background

Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1892, typically observed on the second Monday in October. In recent years, many states and cities have shifted recognition to Indigenous Peoples Day, a change first formally acknowledged by President Joe Biden in 2021. This follows a similar pattern to Labor Day in September, where retail and grocery stores remained open while government and financial institutions closed.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and USA Today agree that the stock market is open, but USA Today and NBC 5 Chicago explicitly note that the bond market and Federal Reserve are closed, a detail CBS omits. Regarding banking, CBS highlights that JPMorgan Chase branches are open but restrict online transactions, while Wells Fargo and Bank of America are closed. NBC 5 Chicago adds local context, noting that Chicago Public Schools and city offices are closed, and that Illinois recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day on a different date in September. All sources confirm that major retailers like Walmart and Costco remain open.

Why it matters

The mixed status of financial institutions and government services affects consumer planning for transactions, mail delivery, and school schedules. The divergence between stock market operations and bond market closures highlights the fragmented nature of holiday observances in the U.S. financial sector.

What to watch

The next scheduled stock market closure is Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026. Consumers should verify specific bank branch hours and mail delivery schedules before the holiday weekend, as policies vary by institution and location.