U.S. Futures Edge Up as Public Holidays Dim Trading

Global markets see muted activity due to Presidents Day and Lunar New Year closures.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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U.S. equity and bond markets were closed on Monday for the Presidents Day holiday, though futures tied to equities rose in early European trade. Lunar New Year celebrations also shuttered trading floors in mainland China and South Korea. Despite the reduced activity, global stock markets and U.S. futures largely edged higher.

Why it matters

Public holidays and market closures can significantly impact trading volume and price movements, especially in major financial centers like the U.S. and Asia. Investors will be closely watching for any market reactions when trading resumes fully.

The details

Friday's softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data helped push gold prices above $5,000 per ounce, while oil prices traded flat as geopolitical risks lingered. Investors are now looking ahead to the release of the Federal Reserve's latest meeting minutes on Wednesday, followed by advance U.S. fourth-quarter GDP figures and PCE inflation data on Friday.

  • U.S. equity and bond markets were closed on Monday, February 16, 2026 for the Presidents Day holiday.
  • Lunar New Year celebrations closed trading floors in mainland China and South Korea.

The players

U.S. equity and bond markets

The major stock and bond markets in the United States that were closed on Monday for the Presidents Day holiday.

Mainland China and South Korea

The stock markets in these Asian countries that were closed for Lunar New Year celebrations.

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The takeaway

The muted trading activity due to public holidays in the U.S. and Asia highlights how interconnected global financial markets can be affected by events in different regions. Investors will be closely watching for any market reactions when full trading resumes later this week.