In the bustling world of finance, the stock market is a critical component of the U.S. economy. However, it's important to remember that the market isn't open every single day. Understanding the U.S. stock market holidays in 2020 can help investors plan their trading activities effectively. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the holidays that impacted the stock market in the United States during the year 2020.
January 2020: New Year's Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The year 2020 began with two significant holidays that affected the stock market. The first was New Year's Day, celebrated on January 1st, which marked the beginning of the year. The second was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on January 20th, honoring the civil rights leader. Both of these holidays resulted in a two-day closure for the stock market.
February 2020: Presidents' Day
In February, the stock market was closed on Presidents' Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday of February. This holiday honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
March 2020: Good Friday and Spring Break
March brought two additional holidays: Good Friday and Spring Break. Good Friday, observed on April 10th, is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Spring Break, on the other hand, is a time when many students and teachers take a break from their studies and work. Both of these holidays resulted in a one-day closure for the stock market.
April 2020: Easter and Passover
April 2020 featured two religious holidays that impacted the stock market. Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, was observed on April 12th. The Passover, which commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, was celebrated from April 8th to April 16th. Both holidays resulted in a one-day closure for the stock market.
May 2020: Memorial Day
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday in the United States that honors military personnel who died in the line of duty. In 2020, this holiday fell on May 25th, resulting in a one-day closure for the stock market.
July 2020: Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, is the national holiday of the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This holiday resulted in a two-day closure for the stock market in 2020.
August 2020: Labor Day
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrating the achievements of the American worker. In 2020, this holiday fell on September 7th, resulting in a one-day closure for the stock market.
October 2020: Columbus Day and Thanksgiving
In October, the stock market was closed on Columbus Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday in October. This holiday honors Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Additionally, Thanksgiving, observed on the fourth Thursday in November, was celebrated on November 26, 2020, resulting in a one-day closure for the stock market.
November 2020: Veterans Day and Black Friday
November 2020 featured two holidays that impacted the stock market. Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, is a federal holiday in the United States honoring military veterans. The following day, Black Friday, is a shopping holiday that marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. However, the stock market was closed on both of these days.
December 2020: Christmas and New Year's Eve
The year 2020 concluded with two holidays that affected the stock market. Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, resulted in a two-day closure for the market. Additionally, New Year's Eve, observed on December 31st, marked the end of the year and also resulted in a one-day closure for the stock market.
Understanding the U.S. stock market holidays in 2020 can help investors plan their trading activities effectively. By being aware of these closures, investors can avoid unexpected losses and make informed decisions regarding their investments.