Observed the Friday before Easter Sunday, Good Friday is a major day in the Christian calendar commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Despite its general association with religious events and peaceful contemplation, the official recognition of Good Friday depends on the type of institution and the nation. Good Friday is not a federal holiday observed in the United States; hence, government operations usually continue. However, financial markets operate on different schedules, leading to uncertainty about the availability of services like USPS and stock trading.
Emphasising especially the stock market and USPS mail services, this page offers a thorough view of what is open and closed on Good Friday in the United States.
Good Friday’s Stock Market Schedule
Good Friday closes the Nasdaq Stock Market as well as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Though Good Friday is not a national holiday acknowledged by the government, the U.S. financial markets have always seen it as a non-trading day. The term implies that, on this day, no buying, selling, or trading of stocks and securities takes place. All trade floors and electronic platforms remain closed throughout the day.
Under control by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), the U.S.’s bond markets typically show a half day on Thursday before Good Friday and stay closed on Good Friday itself. Though hours will vary based on the exchange and product type, some commodities markets may also modify their timetables.
Part of a small selection of market holidays traders and investors schedule annually, this annual closing of the stock market on Good Friday marks Usually starting on Monday, trading activity restarts unless it falls on Easter Monday, which is not a holiday observed in the United States; therefore, business proceeds as usual.
USPS Mail Services Friday
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS), unlike the stock market, does not close for Good Friday. USPS carries on its regular mail delivery, collecting, and retail operations on this day even though it is not a federal holiday. Consumers should anticipate consistent mail delivery; post offices run under normal work hours. You may send a package, pick up mail, or use any USPS services without delay if you need to.
Private delivery firms such as FedEx and UPS also maintain Good Friday operations under working order. Usually accessible are standard ground, express and overnight services, but in case of regional exceptions or limited hours, clients should always check with their local office or the carrier’s website. These main airlines do not experience delays on Good Friday for companies relying on them for deliveries and receipts.
The Variations Between Government and Economic Holidays
One of the most perplexing features of the holiday is the inconsistent way Americans honour Good Friday. Although it’s not one of the government holidays observed throughout the country—like Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Thanksgiving—many private businesses, particularly in the financial sector, consider it as a holiday anyway.
Usually more than regulatory requirements, this variation results from company practices and history. Good Friday has traditionally been honoured on Wall Street as a market holiday out of respect for its Christian heritage, and trade volumes are usually low around Easter. Government services such as public schools, courts, and postal delivery, however, run as usual unless certain states or districts decide to proclaim it a holiday locally.
Why This Affects Planning
Planning financial transactions, postal delivery, and client communications for both people and companies depends on knowing the operating state of services on Good Friday. If you trade or invest, being aware of the markets’ closure can help you adjust the activity of your portfolio. Whether for personal usage or company operations, if you depend on timely deliveries or mailings, you may proceed with confidence knowing USPS and most delivery companies will continue to be in service.
Furthermore, although Good Friday does not cause major disturbance in the United States, Easter Monday, which follows Easter Sunday, is likewise not a federal holiday and therefore does not influence government activities either. This is not the case in nations like the UK, where Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays, causing more widespread service cancellations.
In All-Inclusive
The U.S. Postal Service and most private couriers run regularly while the stock market closes on Good Friday. Depending on the industry, the day is a special fusion of conventional observance with regular commercial activity. While financial institutions stop for the day, the rest of the nation keeps on, with post offices open, mail distributed, and most companies running as normal.
Whether you handle trades or just letters, knowing how Good Friday impacts various services helps you keep on top of your calendar without needless delays or confusion.
