RICS has published its latest residential market survey for Wales
15:54, 11 Mar 2026Updated 15:56, 11 Mar 2026
Houses for sale.(Image: Getty Images)
The number of new homes coming onto the housing market in Wales rose during February, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). However, its latest residential market survey shows chartered surveyors in Wales remain cautious about the short-term outlook.
A net balance of 15% of respondents reported that new instructions to sell were up through the month of February, indicating that more sellers were putting their houses on the market. However, whilst supply is stronger, demand seems to have dipped. A net balance of -37% of Welsh surveyors reported that new buyer enquiries fell through, which is further into negative territory than the -21% that was seen the month previous.
Subdued demand is leading to fewer sales. A net balance of -36% of respondents in Wales reported that sales declined in the most recent survey, which is the lowest this balance has been since July 2025. And surveyors are cautious on the sales outlook with a net balance of -6% of respondents in Wales anticipating sales will fall over the next three months.
When it comes to pricing, a net balance of 14% of Welsh respondents reported that house prices have risen over the past three months, which is up from the 5% seen in the January survey. However, there is a hesitation when it comes to the short-term outlook, with a net balance of -6% of surveyors in Wales expecting prices to fall over the next three months.
Commenting on the sales market, Anthony Filice of Kelvin Francis in Cardiff, said: “Increasing levels of new instructions and serious interest is bringing about early sales, several at the full price or near. There are no effects of the Middle East conflict noted yet, although it is anticipated that interest rates are unlikely to continue their downward trend.”
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Commenting on the UK picture, RICS head of market Research and analytics, Tarrant Parsons, said: “February’s survey highlights renewed volatility in the market. While activity indicators at the start of the year suggested a tentative improvement, the deterioration in the geopolitical backdrop has clearly weighed on confidence.
“The recent rise in oil and energy prices has also increased the likelihood that mortgage rates will remain higher for longer. As a result, near-term expectations have softened. Although the twelve-month outlook remains positive overall, maintaining that trajectory will depend on the recent spike in inflationary pressures easing in the months ahead.”
NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market is closed today, Friday, April 3, 2026, as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq observe Good Friday, one of the few non-federal holidays when major U.S. equities exchanges halt all trading.
Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will remain shuttered for the full day in observance of the Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Regular trading will resume on Monday, April 6, at the standard 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time schedule.
The closure creates a four-day Easter long weekend for Wall Street, following normal trading on Thursday, April 2. It also marks the start of a quieter period for many investors, with limited new economic data expected until next week. The bond market, however, will follow a shortened schedule, closing early at noon Eastern Time on Good Friday, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Good Friday has long been a traditional stock market holiday in the United States, even though it is not a federal holiday observed by all government offices or banks nationwide. The NYSE and Nasdaq have observed the closure consistently for decades, aligning with many global financial centers that also shut for the occasion. In 2026, the holiday falls on April 3, creating an extended break that some traders welcome amid recent market volatility tied to geopolitical developments.
The decision to close stems from the NYSE’s official holiday calendar, which lists Good Friday among the 10 full-day closures for 2026. Other upcoming closures include Memorial Day on May 25 and Juneteenth on June 19. Early closures at 1 p.m. ET are scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve later in the year.
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For individual investors, the closure means no trading in U.S. equities, options or most related derivatives on major exchanges. Pre-market and after-hours sessions are also unavailable. Futures markets for equities may see limited or no activity, though some commodity and currency futures could operate on adjusted schedules.
Many brokerage platforms and apps reflect the holiday by disabling stock trading functions or displaying clear notices about the closure. Investors can still access account information, research tools and educational resources, but execution of buy or sell orders for U.S.-listed stocks will not occur until Monday.
The Good Friday shutdown coincides with the broader Easter long weekend, during which many businesses, schools and government services adjust operations. While banks generally remain open on Good Friday in most states, some local offices or services may have reduced hours. Retail and dining establishments typically operate normally, though some may see lighter foot traffic due to family gatherings or travel.
This year’s market closure comes against a backdrop of heightened global attention on energy markets and geopolitical risks. Recent weeks have seen significant swings in oil prices and broader equities due to developments in the Middle East, with investors closely monitoring any potential de-escalation that could influence sentiment when trading resumes.
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Analysts note that holiday-shortened weeks often feature thinner liquidity and heightened volatility in the sessions immediately before and after the break. Thursday’s trading saw mixed results as participants positioned ahead of the long weekend, with some sectors showing resilience while others reflected ongoing caution.
For those planning investment activity over the weekend, experts recommend reviewing portfolios, setting limit orders that will activate on Monday, or focusing on longer-term research rather than attempting short-term trades. Cryptocurrency markets, which operate 24/7, remain open throughout the period, providing an alternative for investors seeking continuous access, though they often move independently of traditional equities.
International markets present a mixed picture over the Easter period. Many European exchanges, including those in the UK, Germany and France, are expected to close or operate with reduced hours on Good Friday and possibly Easter Monday. Asian markets, however, generally follow their standard schedules, with Japan and others unaffected by the Western holiday.
Bond trading on Good Friday will wrap up early, at noon ET, limiting activity in fixed-income securities. This partial closure can influence yields and pricing dynamics heading into the weekend.
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Looking ahead, the week of April 6 is expected to bring a return to normalcy with fresh economic indicators. Investors will watch for any updates on inflation, employment data or corporate earnings that could shape the next leg of market movement. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite have shown resilience in recent sessions despite external pressures, but analysts caution that the post-holiday period could see renewed focus on macroeconomic themes.
Retail investors, who have increasingly influenced market direction through apps and commission-free platforms, often use holiday downtime to catch up on news, rebalance holdings or simply step back from daily price fluctuations. Financial advisers suggest using the break to assess risk tolerance, review diversification and consider tax implications for any planned moves in the coming months.
The long weekend also highlights the importance of automated strategies such as dividend reinvestment plans or dollar-cost averaging, which continue regardless of market holidays. Robo-advisers and index funds typically process transactions based on the next available trading day.
For businesses tied to financial services, the closure means adjusted staffing and operations. Trading floors remain quiet, while support teams handle client inquiries about account access and holiday policies. Media coverage shifts toward previews of the following week or analysis of year-to-date performance.
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Historically, post-Good Friday trading has shown varied results, with some years delivering gains as investors return refreshed and others reflecting any news that broke over the weekend. In 2026, with ongoing global uncertainties, the tone on Monday could hinge heavily on overnight developments in energy markets or diplomatic efforts.
Traders using margin accounts or options strategies should note that settlement and expiration dates adjust around holidays. The Options Clearing Corporation and other bodies publish specific calendars to guide participants.
As families across the country mark Easter with religious services, egg hunts and meals, Wall Street takes its traditional pause. The four-day break offers a moment of relative calm in an otherwise fast-paced financial year marked by significant swings.
When markets reopen on Monday, April 6, expect a full slate of activity as participants digest any weekend news and reposition for the second quarter. Volume may start lighter than average before building through the week.
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In the meantime, investors are encouraged to use reliable sources for confirmation of market status rather than assuming based on general calendars. Official NYSE and Nasdaq websites provide the most accurate holiday schedules each year.
The U.S. stock market’s observance of Good Friday underscores the blend of tradition and practicality in modern finance. While the global economy never fully sleeps, major equities hubs still honor select cultural and religious observances that shape the annual trading rhythm.
For those wondering “is the stock market open today,” the clear answer on April 3, 2026, is no. Enjoy the long weekend, and be ready for resumed activity when the bells ring again on Monday morning.
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