Checking the calendar is basically the first thing every serious trader does before they even pour their coffee. Honestly, there's nothing more frustrating than waking up at 6:00 a.m., getting your charts ready, and realizing the screens are dark. If you're asking were the stock markets open today, the answer for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is a straightforward yes.
The major U.S. exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, are operating on their standard schedules today. We aren't in a holiday window right now. The last big break was New Year's Day, and the next time the floor goes quiet is for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19.
Markets are open.
Today's Trading Hours and What to Expect
Since it's a regular Tuesday, the "Core Trading Session" runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. But you’ve probably noticed that the big players don't wait for the opening bell. Pre-market trading actually kicked off as early as 4:00 a.m. ET for some platforms.
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If you are looking at the clock right now, keep these sessions in mind:
- Pre-Market: 4:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ET
- Core Session: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
- After-Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Don't forget that bond markets sometimes play by different rules. While the stock market is wide open today, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) occasionally recommends early closes for bonds even when stocks stay open. Today isn't one of those days, but it's a quirk that trips up even seasoned pros.
Why Today’s Market Status Matters
Knowing were the stock markets open today isn't just about whether you can click "buy." It's about liquidity. On days when the market is open but the world is waiting for a major holiday—like later this week as we approach the long MLK weekend—trading volume can start to get a bit weird.
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Volume usually thins out. Prices get jumpy.
Right now, we are in the heart of January. This is typically a high-volume period as institutional investors rebalance their portfolios for the new year. If the markets were closed, you'd be seeing zero movement in your Robinhood or Schwab apps, but today you should see the usual ticker tape madness.
Upcoming Market Holidays in 2026
If you're planning your trades for the rest of the month, you need to mark January 19 on your calendar. That’s the next full closure. Here is a quick look at the near-term "off" days for the NYSE and Nasdaq so you don't get caught off guard again:
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- January 19 (Monday): Martin Luther King Jr. Day – CLOSED
- February 16 (Monday): Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) – CLOSED
- April 3 (Friday): Good Friday – CLOSED
The exchanges don't do "half-days" very often. In 2026, you'll only see an early 1:00 p.m. ET close on the day after Thanksgiving (November 27) and Christmas Eve.
What About International Markets?
Sometimes the U.S. is open while the rest of the world sleeps, or vice versa. For instance, yesterday was a holiday for some Asian markets, which can occasionally lead to a "quiet" overnight session for U.S. futures.
But for today, Tuesday, January 13, most global financial hubs in London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong were also open for business. This means the global flow of capital is at full strength.
Actionable Steps for Today's Session
Since the markets are indeed open, here is how you should handle your business:
- Check the Economic Calendar: Today isn't a holiday, but are there Fed speakers? Any major earnings? Use a site like ForexFactory or the NASDAQ earnings calendar to see who is reporting.
- Verify Your Orders: If you placed "Good 'Til Canceled" (GTC) orders over the weekend, make sure they are still where you want them.
- Watch the Volume: Since we are mid-week, expect standard liquidity. If you see a sudden spike or drop, it’s likely news-driven, not holiday-related.
- Prepare for the Long Weekend: We are less than a week away from a three-day weekend. Usually, traders start "squaring their books" by Friday afternoon.
The markets are humming along today. Whether you're day trading or just checking your 401k, the lights are on and the trades are executing. Stay focused on the data, watch the 9:30 a.m. open for that initial volatility, and make sure your stops are set.