Black Friday is best known for shopping deals, but it also affects Wall Street. While Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27, 2025) is a full market holiday, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq reopen the next day with reduced hours. This shortened session gives investors a limited window to trade before the weekend.
Regular Market Hours
Normal schedule: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. The market does not pause for lunch, so investors have 6.5 continuous trading hours on standard days.
Holiday Closures
The stock market closes for 10 federal holidays each year, including:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
These closures apply to both the NYSE and Nasdaq, with exact dates shifting depending on the calendar.
Shortened Trading Days
Besides Black Friday, the market typically operates on reduced hours for:
- July 3rd (the day before Independence Day)
- Christmas Eve (when it doesn’t fall on a weekend)
On these days, trading ends early at 1:00 p.m. ET.
International Trading Note
Even though U.S. markets close early, global exchanges remain open. Investors can still access international markets during Thanksgiving week, since other countries don’t observe the holiday.
If you plan to trade during Thanksgiving week, remember:
- Closed Thursday (Nov. 27, 2025) for Thanksgiving.
- Open Friday (Nov. 28, 2025) from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET.
- Normal hours resume the following Monday.
So, whether you’re bargain-hunting in stores or monitoring your portfolio, keep in mind that Black Friday offers only a half-day of trading.
Preparation is Key
Black Friday may be synonymous with shopping sprees and holiday bargains, but it also brings a unique rhythm to Wall Street. With the market closing early at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, investors have just a few hours to make trades before the long weekend. Planning ahead is key—whether you want to adjust your portfolio, take advantage of international markets that remain open, or simply step back and enjoy the holiday. By keeping the shortened schedule in mind, you can avoid missed opportunities and ensure your financial strategy stays on track during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
