US stock markets on official holiday to mourn Carter

US trading screen

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed today, Jan. 9, to mourn former President Jimmy Carter, who will be given a state funeral in Washington later in the day.

Carter passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100. The tradition of closing US capital markets to mourn presidents - whether former or in office - dates back to 1865 when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

The last time Wall Street closed to mourn a president was in 2018 after the death of former President George W. Bush.

US bond markets are scheduled to operate for only half a session until 02:00 PM GMT time, based on the recommendation of the Association of Investment Bankers and Asset Managers, according to the NPR radio network.

US stocks ended higher yesterday, after data showed a slump in labor market momentum and raised the possibility of the Federal Reserve continuing to cut interest rates.

The Dow Jones ended the session up 0.25% to 42,635 points, as the S&P 500 rose 0.15% to 5,918 points. Nasdaq was flat at 19,478 points.