Stock Market Open for Thanksgiving?: NYSE, Nasdaq hours, and if it even matters
Okay, so it's that time of year again. Turkey, family drama, and the annual question: Is the damn stock market open? Newsflash: No. It's closed on Thanksgiving. Big freakin' deal.
The "Holiday" Hustle
Seriously, are we so addicted to watching numbers go up and down that we can't even take one day off? One measly day to, you know, be thankful or whatever? I get it, money makes the world go round, but give me a break. The NYSE and Nasdaq are taking a breather. So should you.
And Black Friday? Oh, they're open, but only until 1 p.m. ET. A "partial holiday," they call it. As if that makes it any better. It's like saying, "Hey, we're celebrating, but not too much. Gotta keep those profits rolling in!" What a joke. When does the stock market close for Thanksgiving? NYSE, Nasdaq open? Bond markets are similar. Closed Thanksgiving, early close on Black Friday. Commodity futures markets? A freakin' mess of modified schedules. You need a PhD to figure out when you can trade frozen orange juice concentrate.
Is this really necessary?
The Crypto Exception
Of course, there's always crypto. Open 24/7, 365 days a year. Because apparently, digital tokens that fluctuate wildly based on Elon Musk's tweets are more important than human connection. Let's be real, crypto never sleeps because someone somewhere is always trying to pump and dump some garbage coin. And people are actually falling for this? Maybe I am the crazy one here.
The official line is that Thanksgiving became a holiday in 1941 under FDR. Before that, did people just work straight through without a break? I mean, I know the '40s were tough, but still.
The Pointless Ritual
Look, I'm not saying capitalism is evil. Okay, maybe I am a little. But this whole charade of pretending to care about holidays while still squeezing every last drop of productivity out of everyone is just insulting. Banks are closed, post offices are closed... but the market has to open partially on Black Friday?
And who actually needs to trade stocks on Black Friday morning anyway? Are there really that many crucial, time-sensitive decisions that can't wait until Monday? Or is it just another way to whip up some frenzy and make a quick buck off the consumerist hordes?
So, What's the Real Story?
It's all about the illusion of choice, ain't it? They give you a day off, but they also make sure you know that the money machine never really stops. Enjoy your turkey, but don't forget to check your portfolio on your phone. Because that's what Thanksgiving is really all about these days.