Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On Monday, January 20, Americans will come together to honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of civil-rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Born on January 15, 1929, King rose to prominence as a powerful advocate for racial justice. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, MLK Day was established as a federal holiday in 1983 and has been observed annually since 1986.

Market Closures

The commemorative day brings important changes to certain sectors. Stock exchanges across the United States will be closed, providing traders with a rare opportunity to enjoy an extended weekend. For bond traders, this coincides with the closure of bond markets on Monday.

Postal Services and Deliveries

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the U.S. Postal Service will not be delivering mail. However, FedEx will continue to offer modified service options in select cases. UPS, on the other hand, will not be providing pickup or delivery services.

Banking Transactions

Most banks will be closed for the day. However, customers can still carry out transactions using ATMs or banking apps for their convenience.

Government and Education

As a national holiday, MLK Day leads to the closure of nonessential federal government offices. State government offices generally follow suit. Schools, although usually closed on this day, may have exceptions depending on local school district policies. It is advisable to check with your respective school district for specific information.

Retail Promotions

While many government and financial institutions take a break, most retail stores remain open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is common for retailers to utilize this occasion to offer special sales and promotions.

Let us take this day to reflect upon the remarkable legacy left behind by Martin Luther King Jr. and to continue striving for equality and justice in our society.