The third Monday in February is designated as Presidents Day, a federal holiday in the United States that honors the nation's first president, George Washington, as well as other US presidents, particularly Abraham Lincoln. On February 17, 2025, the US stock market, including the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchanges, will be closed in observance of Presidents Day. The stock market will close at 4 p.m. EST on February 14 and will not reopen until 9:30 a.m. EST on February 18. However, some online brokers may allow trading during pre-market and after-hours sessions, also known as Extended Markets, which carry higher risks due to increased volatility and reduced liquidity.

Government offices, schools, and banks will also be closed on Presidents Day, while private businesses and public transportation are expected to operate on a regular schedule. The US bond market will be closed, but the federal bank, currency, commodities, and global financial markets are anticipated to remain open. Some commercial banks may be closed on Monday, and it is recommended to check with individual banks for their holiday hours. The US economy is expected to be stable amid policy shifts, including Trump's tariff plans and Ukraine peace talks, with tech stocks leading gains. The global market is also being closely watched, particularly Japan's 10-year government bond yield, which rose beyond 1.36%, marking its highest level in nearly 15 years.

The history of Presidents Day dates back to 1796 when Americans began celebrating George Washington's birthday on February 22. However, it wasn't until 1879 that Congress passed a law making February 22 a federal holiday. Initially, the holiday was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, but in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved the holiday to the third Monday in February. This change was made to give federal employees a three-day weekend and to reduce employee absenteeism. Over time, this led to a broader recognition of all US presidents, and the holiday became informally known as Presidents Day, honoring Washington, Lincoln, and all past US presidents, with a focus on economic growth.

In addition to the US stock market and government offices, other institutions and services may be affected by the Presidents Day holiday. For example, some national parks and federal buildings may be closed, while others may remain open with reduced hours. It is recommended to check with individual institutions and services for their holiday hours and schedules. The holiday may also impact travel plans, as some airports and transportation services may experience delays or closures. Overall, Presidents Day 2025 is expected to have a significant impact on the US economy and daily life, with many institutions and services closed or operating on reduced hours.

Here is a list of key points to note about Presidents Day 2025: * The US stock market, including the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchanges, will be closed on February 17, 2025. * Government offices, schools, and banks will be closed on Presidents Day. * Private businesses and public transportation are expected to operate on a regular schedule. * The US bond market will be closed, but the federal bank, currency, commodities, and global financial markets are anticipated to remain open. * Some commercial banks may be closed on Monday, and it is recommended to check with individual banks for their holiday hours. * The holiday may impact travel plans, as some airports and transportation services may experience delays or closures.