TLDR
- National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter set for January 9, 2024
- Stock markets (NYSE and Nasdaq) will be fully closed
- Bond markets will close early at 2 PM ET
- Flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days
- President Biden will deliver eulogy at Washington National Cathedral
The United States will observe a National Day of Mourning on January 9, 2024, to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 100. The day will be marked by closed financial markets and a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.
President Joe Biden has issued an executive order declaring January 9 as the official day of remembrance. During this observance, all U.S. flags will be displayed at half-staff at the White House, public buildings, military posts, naval stations, and on naval vessels for a 30-day period following Carter’s death.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has confirmed it will suspend all trading operations on January 9. Similarly, the Nasdaq stock exchange announced the closure of all its equities and options markets for the entire day. The Nasdaq will also observe a moment of silence at 9:20 AM EST to honor the former president.
Bond markets will maintain limited operations, with an early closure scheduled for 2 PM ET, following recommendations from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Tal Cohen, Nasdaq president, issued a statement explaining the closure:
“We mourn the loss of President Carter and will be closing our U.S. markets during the National Day of Mourning to celebrate his life and honor his legacy.”
The closure of financial markets follows precedent set during previous National Days of Mourning, including those held for former Presidents George H.W. Bush in 2018 and Gerald Ford in 2006, when federal offices and stock markets were closed.
President Biden has called on Americans to gather in their respective places of worship to pay tribute to Carter. In his statement, Biden extended the invitation to “people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
The state funeral will take place at the Washington National Cathedral, where President Biden is scheduled to deliver a eulogy. Former President Donald Trump has indicated his intention to attend the service.
Unlike federal holidays, many businesses and services will continue to operate normally on January 9. However, residents are advised to verify local store hours before making plans.
The day’s events will honor Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States and dedicated his post-presidency years to humanitarian causes through the Carter Center.
This marks the first National Day of Mourning since December 2018, which honored former President George H.W. Bush, who died at age 94.
Trading activities will resume normal operations on January 10, 2024, with regular market hours for both stock and bond markets.
Local communities across the nation are expected to organize their own remembrance events, though specific details will vary by location.
The financial sector’s coordinated response demonstrates the traditional respect shown to former U.S. presidents upon their passing, while maintaining essential market functions through modified schedules.
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