Stock Market Today Updates: US markets closed for President's Day 16 February, 2026. Review volatile week as Dow hits 49,500 record, but indices drop 1-2% on AI fears.
Wall Street Closed for President's Day: NYSE facade under clear skies, signaling trading pause after Dow's record week amid tech wobbles (Photo: File)
Stock Market Today Updates: Wall Street closed on February 16, 2026, as Presidents Day slows the market’s pace and gives traders an opportunity to regroup with the market’s volatile performance over the last few days. The Dow Jones hit an all-time high of 49,501 just before the market’s decline started and the focus is now on the market’s reopening on Tuesday with traders concern over artificial intelligence, as well as the cooling of inflation, being at the back of their minds.
The U.S. stock markets are closed today, on Monday, February 16, 2026. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and even the bond markets have halted their trade for today with a likely reopening on Tuesday, February 17.
The market’s pause on President’s Day is part of the federal holiday’s directive to halt financial transactions. It’s an opportunity for traders to process the latest news as softer than expected consumer inflation in January and unexpected job growth and it’s one of the ten annual holidays that establish the rhythm of trading calendars.
President’s Day falls on the third Monday of February although it is technically Washington’s Birthday, it has evolved to celebrate all U.S. presidents. Since it was enacted into law in 1971, all federal offices, banks and schools are closed, although stores remain open and for the markets, it is a time to reflect on the legacies of all the leaders in the midst of shifting economic currents.
The US stock market, closed today for Presidents Day on February 16, 2026, will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17. Trading on NYSE and Nasdaq resumes at the regular time of 9:30 a.m. ET and runs until 4:00 p.m. ET.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| February 16 | Presidents’ Day |
| April 3 | Good Friday |
| May 25 | Memorial Day |
| June 19 | Juneteenth |
| July 3 | Independence Day (observed) |
| September 7 | Labor Day |
| November 26 | Thanksgiving Day |
| November 27 | Early close |
| December 24 | Early close |
| December 25 | Christmas |
| Index | Close | Change (Points) | % Change | Weekly % Change |
| Dow Jones | 49,500.93 | +48.95 | +0.10% | -1.23% |
| S&P 500 | 6,836.17 | +3.41 | +0.05% | -1.39% |
| Nasdaq Composite | 22,546.67 | -50.48 | -0.22% | -2.10% |
Friday's mild uptick masked the week's steepest drops since November, driven by tech volatility and AI disruption fears.
Why did markets decline weekly despite Friday gains?
Tech stocks tanked on AI competition worries and S&P fell 1.39%, Nasdaq 2.1%.
What boosted the Dow to 49,500?
Record highs came from broad gains, but inflation relief couldn't offset sector pulls.
How does President’s Day affect trading?
Full closure across NYSE, Nasdaq and bonds too resumes Tuesday with macro data focus.
Any commodity ties today?
Gold dropped $65 to $4,981 low and dollar at 96.77 pressures safe-havens post-1.35% surge.
What is next post-holiday?
Eyes on Fed rate cues from mixed jobs/inflation data for Tuesday volatility.
