Global financial markets experienced a quiet and fragmented trading session on Friday, December 26, as several major exchanges around the world remained shut for the Boxing Day holiday. With key financial hubs in Australia, Hong Kong, and much of Europe closed following the Christmas break, overall investor participation dropped sharply.
Asia-Pacific Markets Edge Higher Amid Thin Volumes
Despite the subdued global environment, a few Asian markets that were open managed to post gains, attempting a late-year rally on low trading volumes. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index climbed 0.68% to close at 50,750.39, buoyed by advances in technology stocks. The broader Topix index edged up 0.15% to 3,423.0.
In South Korea, the Kospi advanced 0.51% to settle at 4,129.68, while the small-cap Kosdaq rose 0.49% to 919.67. China's CSI 300 index also saw a modest increase of 0.32%, finishing the day at 4,657.24.
Wall Street Flat Near Records; Precious Metals Shine
Across the Atlantic, major U.S. equity benchmarks ended Friday's shortened post-Christmas session largely flat but hovering close to record highs. The subdued trade was contrasted by a surge in precious metals, where hopes of impending interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve and strong safe-haven demand lifted prices to fresh all-time peaks.
Indian and Global Market Schedules for New Year 2026
As the world approaches the New Year, stock market holidays will again cause a split in trading activity. Indian stock markets, including the BSE and NSE, will remain open for trading on both December 31 and January 1, according to the official holiday calendar. This presents a unique opportunity for domestic investors while most global peers are shut.
In contrast, the U.S. stock market will be closed on New Year's Day, January 1, 2026, but will operate normally on December 31.
The situation varies across Asia and Europe:
- Asia: Exchanges in Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), and Hong Kong will be closed on both December 31 and January 1. Australia's Sydney exchange will close only on January 1.
- Europe: Major bourses including Frankfurt (Germany), London (UK), and Madrid (Spain) will observe holidays on both days.
The following is a comprehensive list of global market closures for the New Year period:
Stock Markets Closed on December 31: Exchanges in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
Stock Markets Closed on January 1, 2026: A much wider list includes exchanges in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palestinian Territory, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Zimbabwe.
