Okay, so it’s that time of the year again when your calendar gives you mixed signals — a federal holiday pops up, your office group chat goes quiet, and you start wondering: Wait, do markets take a break too?

This Monday, October 13, 2025, marks Indigenous Peoples Day (also still recognized in some states as Columbus Day). And yes, it’s one of those classic half-on, half-off holidays in the U.S. — where the government sleeps in, the banks roll down shutters, and Wall Street just keeps trading like nothing happened.

So before you plan a lazy Monday brunch or panic about your portfolio, here’s the full breakdown of what’s open, what’s not, and why this day still matters (even if your stock app is buzzing like it’s a regular Monday).

The Quick Answer: Stock Markets are Open, Bonds Take the Day Off

Let’s clear up the confusion right away.
If you’re planning to check your portfolio or make a trade on Indigenous Peoples Day 2025, you absolutely can.

Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are open for regular trading hours. No early close, no mid-day break — it’s business as usual on Wall Street.

But the bond market? That’s a different story.

The U.S. bond market — including the SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) recommended schedule — will be closed on Monday. That means Treasury markets take a breather, so if you’re waiting on yields or fixed-income data, you’ll have to hold off until Tuesday.

Banks, Post Offices, and Federal Offices: Expect the Closed Signs

Even though stocks are buzzing, most government-run services will take the day off.
Banks in many states will close for the day. U.S. Post Offices won’t be delivering regular mail, and federal buildings — from courts to administrative offices — will also be closed.

So if you were planning to handle anything official — renewing a passport, mailing documents, or doing anything that involves a counter and a queue — better push it to Tuesday, October 14.

Why Indigenous Peoples Day Matters (Beyond Market Hours)

Here’s the heart of the story — Indigenous Peoples Day isn’t just another three-day weekend excuse.
It’s a day that honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities across the United States.

For years, the day was primarily celebrated as Columbus Day, marking Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492.
But in recent times, many states, cities, and institutions have shifted the focus toward acknowledging Indigenous heritage — recognizing that history isn’t just about discovery, but also about resilience and remembrance.

It’s a powerful step toward telling a fuller, more inclusive story of America — one that goes beyond the old textbooks.

Trading On Indigenous Peoples Day: What Investors Should Know

For traders and investors, the day might feel like any other Monday — but it’s not entirely business as usual.

Here’s what’s different:

• Lower trading volumes are common, as some institutional desks close or run on reduced staffing.

• Liquidity might feel thinner, especially in bond-related ETFs or fixed-income assets.

• Bank transactions — including wire transfers — could face delays due to closures.

If you’re doing same-day settlements or transfers, it’s smart to double-check timelines with your broker or bank.

But if you’re a long-term investor? Relax. One quiet Monday won’t shake your portfolio.

What’s Still Running: The Digital Economy Never Sleeps

While traditional finance takes a partial break, crypto markets, forex trading, and global exchanges continue ticking along.

So, if you’re the type who watches Bitcoin instead of the Dow Jones, you’ll still have plenty of action to track.
Because crypto never takes a holiday — not for Columbus, not for anyone.

How the Market Typically Reacts around Indigenous Peoples Day

Historically, U.S. stocks show mild or neutral movement around Indigenous Peoples Day weekends.
Volumes dip slightly due to fewer institutional players, but volatility often remains low.

For example, previous years have seen the S&P 500 post modest gains the week after the holiday — partly because traders return recharged (and maybe over-caffeinated) after a quiet Monday.

So, while the markets are technically open, the day often feels like a “soft pause” — a calm before mid-October earnings season really kicks in.

Travel, Retail, and Local Life On Indigenous Peoples Day

Outside of Wall Street, the day carries its own rhythm.
Many schools and local government offices close, giving families a chance to attend cultural events, parades, or educational programs that highlight Indigenous heritage.

Retail stores, on the other hand, often stay open — some even run Indigenous Peoples Day weekend sales (because of course they do).
So while markets hum quietly, shopping malls and online stores often see a mini spike in consumer traffic.

The Balancing Act: Remembering While Moving Forward

There’s a poetic irony in how Indigenous Peoples Day plays out across America — the nation pauses in parts but rushes on in others.
Banks close to reflect. Markets stay open to trade.

And somewhere between those two worlds lies the modern reality — a country trying to balance economic hustle with historical respect.

Even if you’re just a casual market watcher, taking a moment to understand why this day exists — beyond whether your brokerage app works — is a good reminder that finance doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

Money moves through stories, through people, through generations. And Indigenous Peoples Day reminds us of exactly that.

Final Word: Keep Calm, Trade On, But Take A Moment To Reflect

So, here’s your Monday plan in one line:
Stock markets open. Bond markets closed. Banks shut. Reflection recommended.

Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 might not stop Wall Street’s tickers, but it’s still a meaningful pause for the nation — a chance to honor history while navigating the present.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway: not everything needs to close for you to slow down.

So even if your portfolio is open for business, take a quiet moment to remember whose stories built the land we trade on today.