For exceptional reasons
This is not the first time that the markets remain closed outside of public holidays. This practice dates back to 1865, when the Stock Exchange suspended operations following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Since then, Wall Street has closed 21 times to honor the memory of deceased presidents.
Stock market review: the United States beat Europe again in 2024
But the tradition is not limited to presidential figures. Certain historical figures such as Martin Luther King, symbol of civil rights, were also greeted by a closure of the markets. Other tragic events, such as the bombing of 1920, Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 or the attacks of September 11, 2001, also led to a temporary suspension of stock market activities.
The question of customs duties continues to worry
Investors nevertheless continue to question Donald Trump’s political intentions regarding the customs duties he wishes to implement. As a reminder, on Wednesday, world markets reacted badly to the publication of a CNN article according to which Trump would consider declaring a state of economic emergency to quickly increase these rights.
They are also digesting the publication of the minutes of the last December meeting of the American central bank (Fed). The report “clearly indicated that upcoming policy changes in the United States on immigration and trade may require a monetary decision by the Fed”i.e. a drop in its interest rates, underlined Ipek Ozkardeskaya, analyst at Swissquote Bank.
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