President Trump honors Christopher Columbus amid debate over controversial legacy
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation celebrating Christopher Columbus as “the original American hero” and accusing his critics of slander.
While the stock market closes for many federal holidays, it doesn’t close for all of them.
Columbus Day, which falls on Monday, Oct. 13 in 2025, is one of those rare exceptions, where trades will still happen, even though most federal buildings and banks are closed.
Columbus Day is a recognized when Christopher Columbus first journey to the Americas, sparking an era of European colonization. The holiday grew to also represent Italian Americans.
The first time Columbus Day was recognized, in 1892, President Benjamin Harrison proclamation of the holiday was in part encourage Americans to accept Italian immigrants, who shared their heritage with the explorer, as they were being attacked in the country.
Due to its roots in colonization, the holiday has been heavily criticized since then, with some states and cities instead opting to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
However, this year, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation doubling down on Columbus Day, saying critics of the holiday are slandering “the original American hero.”
“Outrageously, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage,” reads the proclamation.
Here’s what to know about the stock market.
Is stock market closed on Columbus Day?
The stock market will be open on for Columbus Day, on Monday Oct. 13. The stock market will open for trading at 9:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving, on Nov. 27, is the next time the NYSE markets’ will close for a holiday. It will also be closed on Christmas Day.
Is Columbus Day a market holiday?
Columbus Day isn’t a market holiday. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will have normal trading hours.
What markets are open on Columbus Day? Bond, futures hours
One market is closed.
The U.S. bond market is closed, which follows a different calendar than the stock market, will close for the holiday. While electronic trading platforms will be active, physical trading floors and OTC, or over-the-counter operations will close.
Commodity futures markets, like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), operate on modified schedules on Columbus Day. Check the schedules as some commodities may observe early closures.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
