U.S. financial markets are closed on Monday, January 19, as the nation observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While trading and most banking operations pause, much of the retail sector continues to operate with minimal disruption.
Trading Halts Across Equity and Bond Markets
Wall Street is quiet for the holiday, with both major U.S. stock exchanges suspending activity. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will remain closed for the day and are scheduled to resume trading on Tuesday, January 20, according to the NYSE’s 2026 calendar.
Additionally, the bond market is also shuttered. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) confirmed a full closure of U.S. fixed-income trading in observance of the federal holiday.
Banks Close Branches, but Digital Services Continue
The Federal Reserve’s closure has prompted banks nationwide to shut their physical branches. Major institutions, including JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC), and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), will not offer in-person services.
However, customers still have access to essential banking functions. ATMs remain operational, and mobile and online banking platforms continue to function throughout the day.
Mail Delivery and Government Services Suspended
The holiday also affects federal services. The U.S. Postal Service has designated January 19 as a non-delivery day, with all post offices nationwide halted.
Meanwhile, private shipping carriers are handling the day differently. UPS has halted all pickup and delivery services, while FedEx (NYSE: FDX) is operating on a reduced schedule, according to LegalZoom’s 2026 holiday calendar.
In addition, non-essential government offices, including DMVs, public courts, and most public schools, are closed.
Most Retail and Grocery Stores Remain Open
In contrast to government and financial institutions, many private businesses are staying open. Large retailers such as Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT), Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), and Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) plan to operate; store hours may vary by location.
Similarly, grocery chains are largely maintaining normal schedules as well. Publix and Whole Foods are expected to be open, based on local reports from Patch and WTSP Tampa Bay. Therefore, consumers are encouraged to check store hours in advance.
Markets Ended The Last Session Slightly Lower
Ahead of the holiday break, U.S. markets closed modestly down on Friday. The Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ: QQQ) finished at $621.06, while the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE: SPY) ended at $691.66.
Despite the dip, markets have posted gains so far in 2026. The Nasdaq 100 is up 1.28% year-to-date, the S&P 500 has risen 1.19%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average has gained 2.02%, according to index performance data.
Finally, normal trading and banking operations will resume on Tuesday.
