US Stock Exchanges Trade as Bond Markets Close for Columbus Day

Financial markets and public institutions across the United States will follow different operating schedules for Columbus Day on Monday, October 12, 2026. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will maintain regular trading hours, while the bond market and many bank branches will close for the federal holiday, according to a report published by Clarin. The split schedule means investors can trade equities during normal hours even as bond trading pauses.

The NYSE and Nasdaq are scheduled to operate from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, while the US bond market will remain closed in accordance with recommendations from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. Commercial banking services will also face restrictions because Columbus Day is a Federal Reserve holiday.

Most major bank branches will close their physical locations, although customers can continue using ATMs, online banking platforms and mobile applications. Wire transfers and deposit settlements may be delayed until Tuesday, October 13.

Some banking exceptions will remain in place. TD Bank and JPMorgan Chase will operate branches in many markets, although certain transactions may follow holiday processing schedules, according to Clarin.

Federal government operations will largely pause for the day. Nonessential federal agencies, Social Security Administration field offices and federal courthouses will close, while the US Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery and close post office retail lobbies. Priority Mail Express deliveries will continue despite the postal holiday. State and local government services, including motor vehicle departments and city offices, will follow individual state and municipal rules rather than a uniform nationwide schedule.

States that officially observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day may close government offices and licensing centers. Washington state, which does not recognize the holiday in the same way, will maintain regular state government operations, according to the report. Private retailers and delivery companies will generally maintain normal business hours. Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's and Kohl's are expected to open as usual, alongside warehouse retailers Costco and Sam's Club.

Grocery stores, including Kroger, Safeway, Publix and Albertsons, will also operate under standard schedules. Pharmacies CVS and Walgreens are expected to remain open during their regular business hours, although individual locations may have their own schedules. Private parcel carriers UPS and FedEx will continue retail operations, package pickups and deliveries.

Amazon's delivery network will also operate normally, although some specialized shipping services may experience routing delays, according to Clarin. School schedules will vary by district and institution. Some public schools, community colleges and universities will cancel classes or close administrative offices, while others will remain open or use the day for teacher training and professional development.