Altshuler Shaham Trade Errongously Claims US Exchanges Will Close on Columbus Day
Altshuler Shaham Trade erroneously informed clients that US exchanges will close on Columbus Day 2026. While banks and bond markets close, NYSE and Nasdaq will remain fully operational.
Altshuler Shaham Trade sent a notice to its clients stating that on Monday, October 12, 2026, Columbus Day will be observed in the US, and therefore American stock exchanges will be closed and foreign exchange conversions will not be possible. It was also reported that the trading desk will be available until 18:00. However, the notice is inaccurate regarding exchange activity: major US stock markets, the NYSE and Nasdaq, will operate normally and hold a full trading session.
The Distinction Between Banks and Stock Exchanges
Columbus Day is observed annually on the second Monday of October and is considered a federal holiday in the US. However, not all financial markets are closed on this day. While banks and the US bond market are closed, stock trading continues as usual. The closure of the banking system affects bank clearings, money transfers, and currency conversions, but does not prevent routine stock trading.
The distinction between the stock market and the banking system lies at the center of the confusion. Therefore, although limitations on currency conversions and clearing may be relevant, the assertion that American stock exchanges will be closed is incorrect.
Upcoming Holidays and Extended Trading Hours
By the end of 2026, two more full closing days are expected on the US stock exchanges: Thanksgiving, which will fall on November 26, and Christmas, on December 25. Alongside this, on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, and on December 24, Christmas Eve, trading will end early at 13:00 New York time.
At the same time, another significant change in trading hours is expected. Nasdaq announced that starting December 6, 2026, it will add an overnight session, taking place between 21:00 and 04:00 New York time, as part of the move to expand trading to 23 hours a day, five days a week. Regular trading hours will remain unchanged, but the expanded activity window may make it easier for investors outside the US to operate in the market.