If the law says Washington’s Birthday, why do most people say Presidents Day?

Federal law never changed the name, so agencies and markets follow Washington’s Birthday. Over time, states, schools, and retailers popularized Presidents Day to honor multiple presidents and to promote sales. The public label stuck, but the legal framework did not change. For planning, always use the federal designation, which sets closures and pay rules nationwide.

What is the Monday Holiday Act and how does it affect the date?

The 1968 Monday Holiday Act moved several federal observances to fixed Mondays to create reliable three day weekends. Washington’s Birthday shifted to the third Monday in February, effective in 1971. That means the holiday never lands on February 22. The predictable timing helps businesses, governments, and investors align staffing, payroll, settlements, and travel around the same annual window.

Are U.S. markets open on Washington’s Birthday?

No. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and the U.S. bond market close for the federal holiday. Some futures contracts may offer limited electronic trading, but liquidity is typically thin. With T+1 settlement, trades entered on the preceding Friday will settle on Tuesday, not Monday. Plan orders, margin needs, and option positions before the Friday close to avoid avoidable risks.

How should investors plan for the Presidents Day weekend?

Confirm broker, bank, and ACH cutoffs by Thursday or early Friday. Adjust cash transfers and option expiries, and recheck stop orders before the Friday close. Expect lighter liquidity into the weekend and the usual resumption on Tuesday. Use the calm to review hedges, rebalance, and update a watchlist. The repeatable calendar makes this a smart annual checklist moment.

Law and Government

February 14: Presidents Day Debate Refocuses on Washington’s Legacy

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 14, 2026February 14, 2026

Why do we celebrate Presidents is a timely question each February. Despite common usage, the federal holiday is still Washington’s Birthday, set to the third Monday in February by the 1968 Monday Holiday Act. With little push to rename it, the calendar is steady. For U.S. investors, that steadiness helps plan trades, cash flows, and operations around a predictable three day weekend. We explain the law, Presidents Day history, and the investor takeaways that matter this year.