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Public Holidays Across the World

Factbox: Bank Holidays Across the World in 2025

In an increasingly globalized economy, understanding bank holidays around the world is crucial for investors, businesses, and travelers alike. These holidays, which often coincide with national, religious, or cultural observances, lead to the closure of financial institutions, stock exchanges, and sometimes entire markets. This can impact trading volumes, currency fluctuations, and international transactions. The following factbox provides a comprehensive overview of key bank holidays in 2025 across various regions, drawing from official calendars and financial announcements. While not exhaustive, it highlights major dates that could affect global finance. Note that some holidays may vary by region within countries, and Islamic holidays are based on lunar sightings, potentially shifting by a day or two.

North America

Starting with the United States, bank holidays are standardized by the Federal Reserve and observed by most financial institutions. In 2025, key dates include New Year's Day on January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) on February 17, Memorial Day on May 26, Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19, Independence Day on July 4, Labor Day on September 1, Columbus Day on October 13, Veterans Day on November 11, Thanksgiving Day on November 27, and Christmas Day on December 25. These holidays often result in the closure of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, halting equity trading and affecting bond markets. For instance, Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday rooted in harvest celebrations, not only closes banks but also leads to reduced liquidity in global markets due to the U.S.'s dominant role in finance.

In Canada, bank holidays vary slightly by province but include nationwide observances. Federal holidays in 2025 encompass New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (April 18), Victoria Day (May 19), Canada Day (July 1), Labour Day (September 1), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), Thanksgiving (October 13), Remembrance Day (November 11), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26). The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) typically closes on these days, impacting commodities trading, especially in energy and mining sectors where Canada is a major player. Remembrance Day, honoring military veterans, is particularly poignant and may see partial market activity in some provinces.

Mexico follows a similar pattern with holidays influenced by its Catholic heritage and historical events. In 2025, banks close for New Year's Day (January 1), Constitution Day (February 3), Benito Juárez's Birthday (March 17), Holy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (September 16), Revolution Day (November 17), and Christmas Day (December 25). The Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) suspends operations, which can ripple into Latin American markets. Independence Day commemorates the start of Mexico's fight for freedom from Spain in 1810, often marked by nationwide festivities that extend economic slowdowns.

Europe

Europe's bank holidays reflect a mix of Christian traditions, national histories, and EU-wide observances. In the United Kingdom, 2025 holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (April 18), Easter Monday (April 21), Early May Bank Holiday (May 5), Spring Bank Holiday (May 26), Summer Bank Holiday (August 25 in England and Wales, August 4 in Scotland), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26). The London Stock Exchange (LSE) closes, affecting global indices like the FTSE 100. Boxing Day, originating from the tradition of giving boxes of gifts to servants, extends the Christmas break and often leads to thin trading volumes in early January.

Germany observes holidays that blend federal and regional customs. Key 2025 dates are New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (April 18), Easter Monday (April 21), Labor Day (May 1), Ascension Day (May 29), Whit Monday (June 9), German Unity Day (October 3), Reformation Day (October 31 in some states), Christmas Day (December 25), and St. Stephen's Day (December 26). The Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Deutsche Börse) halts, influencing eurozone markets. German Unity Day marks the 1990 reunification, a symbol of post-Cold War Europe, and can cause pauses in automotive and manufacturing-related investments.

France's holidays emphasize secular republican values alongside Catholic feasts. In 2025, expect closures for New Year's Day (January 1), Easter Monday (April 21), Labor Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day (May 29), Whit Monday (June 9), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption of Mary (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas Day (December 25). The Euronext Paris exchange closes, impacting luxury goods and energy sectors. Bastille Day, celebrating the 1789 storming of the Bastille, is a national pride event with parades that disrupt business activities.

In Russia, despite geopolitical tensions, bank holidays follow the Orthodox calendar. 2025 includes New Year's Holidays (January 1-8), Orthodox Christmas (January 7), Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23), International Women's Day (March 8), Spring and Labor Day (May 1), Victory Day (May 9), Russia Day (June 12), and Unity Day (November 4). The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) suspends trading, affecting ruble-denominated assets and energy markets. Victory Day commemorates the Soviet victory in World War II, often featuring massive military parades in Red Square.

Asia-Pacific

Asia's diverse cultures lead to a rich tapestry of holidays. In China, the lunar calendar dictates many dates. For 2025, the Gregorian equivalents include Chinese New Year (January 29-February 4), Qingming Festival (April 4), Labor Day (May 1), Dragon Boat Festival (May 31), Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6), and National Day Golden Week (October 1-7). The Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges close, causing significant disruptions in global supply chains and commodity prices. Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, involves family reunions and travel, leading to factory shutdowns that affect manufacturing worldwide.

Japan's holidays blend Shinto, Buddhist, and modern traditions. In 2025, banks close for New Year's Day (January 1), Coming of Age Day (January 13), National Foundation Day (February 11), Emperor's Birthday (February 23), Vernal Equinox Day (March 20), Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), Children's Day (May 5), Marine Day (July 21), Mountain Day (August 11), Respect for the Aged Day (September 15), Autumnal Equinox Day (September 23), Health and Sports Day (October 13), Culture Day (November 3), and Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23). The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) halts, influencing tech and automotive sectors. The Golden Week cluster in early May creates extended breaks, impacting tourism and retail.

India's holidays vary by state and religion. Nationwide bank holidays in 2025 include Republic Day (January 26), Holi (March 14), Good Friday (April 18), Eid al-Fitr (March 31, approximate), Independence Day (August 15), Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), Diwali (October 20), and Christmas (December 25). The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) close, affecting emerging market investments. Diwali, the festival of lights symbolizing victory over darkness, involves fireworks and sweets, often boosting consumer spending but pausing financial activities.

In Australia, holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Australia Day (January 27), Good Friday (April 18), Easter Monday (April 21), Anzac Day (April 25), King's Birthday (June 9 in most states), and Christmas Day (December 25) with Boxing Day (December 26). The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) closes, influencing mining and banking sectors. Anzac Day honors Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers from World War I, marked by dawn services and national reflection.

Middle East and Africa

In the Middle East, Islamic holidays predominate. Saudi Arabia observes Eid al-Fitr (March 31-April 3, approx.), Eid al-Adha (June 6-9, approx.), and National Day (September 23). The Tadawul stock exchange closes, affecting oil markets. Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice, involving animal sacrifices and feasts.

The United Arab Emirates shares similar Islamic holidays, plus New Year's Day (January 1) and National Day (December 2-3). Dubai and Abu Dhabi exchanges pause, impacting real estate and tourism investments.

In South Africa, holidays reflect its multicultural society. 2025 dates include New Year's Day (January 1), Human Rights Day (March 21), Good Friday (April 18), Family Day (April 21), Freedom Day (April 27), Workers' Day (May 1), Youth Day (June 16), National Women's Day (August 9), Heritage Day (September 24), Day of Reconciliation (December 16), Christmas (December 25), and Day of Goodwill (December 26). The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) closes, affecting precious metals trading. Freedom Day marks the first post-apartheid elections in 1994, symbolizing democracy.

Latin America and Other Regions

Brazil's holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Carnival (March 3-4), Good Friday (April 18), Tiradentes Day (April 21), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (September 7), Our Lady of Aparecida (October 12), All Souls' Day (November 2), Republic Day (November 15), and Christmas (December 25). The B3 exchange in São Paulo closes, influencing agribusiness and emerging markets.

In summary, these bank holidays underscore the interplay between culture, history, and economics. Investors should monitor local calendars for adjustments, as pandemics or events can lead to changes. Planning around these dates can mitigate risks in international portfolios, ensuring smoother operations in a connected world. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full U.S. News & World Report Article at:
[ https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2025-07-16/factbox-bank-holidays-across-the-world ]