Stock Market and Postal Services Closed on MLK Day 2026: Key Operational Details

The U.S. financial markets and federal government services observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January, which falls on January 20, 2026. As a result, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq Stock Market will remain closed for the trading day. The closure affects all major equity and options markets, with no trading activity scheduled. The Federal Reserve also suspends normal operations on this holiday. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not conduct regular mail delivery on January 20. This includes First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Express Mail services. While package tracking remains active, no physical delivery will occur. The national holiday applies to all 50 states and U.S. territories, affecting federal employees and contracted service providers. The closure marks the 32nd annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which was established as a federal holiday in 1983 and first observed nationwide in 1986. By law, federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of the Treasury, are required to close on this day. State and local governments may vary in their observance, but most follow the federal schedule. Market participants should prepare for the holiday by adjusting settlement timelines and confirming trade execution dates. The next trading session will begin on Tuesday, January 21, with normal market hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Investors and businesses should plan accordingly to avoid delays in transactions or financial reporting.