Business
US Stock Market Closed Today April 3 2026 for Good Friday as Strong March Jobs Data Looms Over Iran War
NEW YORK — U.S. stock markets were closed Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday, leaving investors to digest the latest economic signals without the ability to trade as geopolitical tensions from the ongoing conflict with Iran continued to cast a shadow over Wall Street.

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq remained shuttered for the Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a longstanding tradition in the U.S. financial calendar. Trading will resume Monday, April 6, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The bond market closed early at noon Friday, while some futures trading was also halted.
Ahead of the closure, markets showed resilience in recent sessions despite volatility sparked by the Middle East conflict. On Thursday, April 2, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped modestly while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted small gains, reflecting a tug-of-war between strong domestic economic data and worries over prolonged war impacts.
The Labor Department released its March employment report Friday morning, revealing the U.S. economy added 178,000 nonfarm payroll jobs — significantly beating economists’ expectations of around 65,000. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.3%, with average hourly earnings rising 0.2% from the previous month and 3.5% year-over-year.
This stronger-than-anticipated jobs figure highlighted the labor market’s underlying robustness even as higher oil prices from the Iran conflict threatened to fuel inflation and slow business investment. Analysts noted that the full effects of the war may take time to appear in hiring data, but the report provided a positive note heading into the long weekend.
“Markets are closed today, but this jobs number suggests the economy isn’t cracking yet under the pressure of geopolitical risks,” said one Wall Street economist who requested anonymity to discuss internal views. “Still, sustained high energy costs could change that picture quickly if the conflict drags on.”
The Iran war has dominated market narratives since late February and intensified in March. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude climbing sharply at times amid fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Energy stocks have benefited while sectors like airlines and consumer discretionary companies faced headwinds from elevated fuel costs.
Recent trading showed wild swings. Late March brought a sharp “V-bottom” recovery, with the Dow surging more than 1,100 points in a single session as hopes for a quicker resolution briefly lifted sentiment. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted their strongest daily gains in nearly a year during that relief rally.
However, comments from President Donald Trump indicating the conflict could continue for weeks tempered optimism. Stocks pulled back modestly early in the week before stabilizing. By April 1 and 2, the major indexes showed mixed but generally positive closes amid easing oil prices and diplomatic signals.
Thursday’s session, the last before the holiday, saw the Dow fall about 0.13% while the S&P 500 rose 0.11% and the Nasdaq gained 0.18%. Volume was lighter than average as traders positioned for the three-day weekend.
Sector performance remained uneven. Energy and utilities advanced on continued oil strength and safe-haven buying. Technology shares found modest support from big-cap names less exposed to immediate energy shocks. Financial stocks were mixed as bond yields reacted to the strong jobs data, which reduced near-term expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Smaller companies, tracked by the Russell 2000, lagged somewhat behind large-cap benchmarks, reflecting caution among investors favoring more established firms during uncertain times.
The strong March jobs report complicates the Federal Reserve’s policy path. Officials had left the door open for rate reductions if growth showed signs of slowing, but robust employment numbers suggest the economy retains momentum despite external shocks. Higher-for-longer interest rates could pressure stock valuations, especially in growth-oriented sectors.
Looking ahead, next week’s data calendar includes inflation readings that may reflect rising energy costs. Corporate earnings from major banks and industrial firms will also provide insight into how companies are navigating higher input prices and potential supply-chain issues tied to the Middle East conflict.
International markets offered mixed signals recently. European shares fluctuated while Asian indexes showed caution overnight amid global growth concerns if energy supplies remain constrained. Safe-haven assets like the Japanese yen strengthened against the dollar at times.
Individual stock movers in recent sessions underscored the themes at play. Oil majors such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron gained on higher crude prices. Defense contractors also saw interest. Meanwhile, airline stocks faced pressure from fuel surcharges and demand worries.
Retail investors appeared split. Some viewed dips as buying opportunities, citing the economy’s resilience and long-term growth potential in technology and other innovative sectors. Others reduced exposure, citing risks from a prolonged war, potential inflation spikes and uncertainty around monetary policy.
Market breadth in recent days was generally balanced, though advancing stocks slightly outnumbered decliners on some sessions. Overall trading volume tapered ahead of the holiday, consistent with typical pre-Good Friday patterns.
Economists cautioned that while the March jobs report beat forecasts, the labor market’s health could face tests in coming months. Initial unemployment claims and other weekly indicators will be watched closely when markets reopen. Any escalation in the Iran conflict or further oil price spikes could weigh on hiring and consumer spending.
For now, Wall Street enters the weekend in a wait-and-see posture. The Good Friday closure provides traders time to assess developments in the Middle East, digest the employment data and prepare for next week’s focus on inflation and corporate results.
The S&P 500 remains below its early 2026 peak, having weathered a volatile quarter marked by the onset of the Iran conflict. The Nasdaq sits roughly 3% off its high, while the Dow has recovered much of its recent losses but trades below pre-escalation levels.
Any positive diplomatic breakthroughs could spark a sharp relief rally similar to late March. Conversely, further escalation, supply disruptions or signs of economic softening from higher energy costs could reignite selling pressure and push oil toward new highs.
In bond markets, yields edged higher recently on the strong jobs data, reflecting reduced bets on imminent Fed easing. Gold and other precious metals saw interest as safe-haven plays amid geopolitical risks.
Cryptocurrency markets, which trade 24/7, showed their own volatility but offered limited direct correlation to traditional stock moves this week.
As trading resumes Monday, focus will quickly shift to whether the robust employment numbers support a soft-landing narrative or if oil-driven inflation fears dominate. President Trump’s administration continues to navigate both the military situation abroad and economic pressures at home.
The broader picture remains one of cautious optimism tempered by real risks. The U.S. economy has demonstrated resilience, with hiring rebounding in March despite earlier weakness. Yet the Iran conflict introduces variables that could reshape growth, inflation and corporate profits in unpredictable ways.
Investors will monitor any weekend developments from the Middle East closely. With no stock trading Friday, attention turns to futures markets where limited activity may hint at Monday’s open, though full reaction awaits the cash session.
In summary, while U.S. stock exchanges stood still on Good Friday, the release of better-than-expected jobs data provided a backdrop of economic strength heading into the weekend. The ongoing Iran war and its ripple effects on energy markets continue to be the dominant risk factor for Wall Street as April trading begins in earnest next week.
Markets have shown remarkable swings in recent weeks, from sharp sell-offs to rapid recoveries. This volatility underscores the challenges of investing amid geopolitical upheaval. Long-term investors may find opportunities in quality companies with strong balance sheets, while shorter-term traders must navigate headline-driven moves.
As always, diversification and a clear risk tolerance remain key. With the holiday behind them, market participants will look for clarity on the conflict’s duration, inflation trends and the Fed’s next moves to set the tone for the remainder of 2026.
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NYSE And Nasdaq Shut For Holiday
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Business
Kelce brothers’ Garage Beer lands deal with golf clothing brand before Masters
Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.
Malbon Golf has been all about relaxing the gentlemen’s game, and with its latest partnership, it’s staying true to its word.
Travis and Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer has been named the company’s beer brand.
The partnership was announced a week before the Masters, where Garage will be activating all week long, pouring its 95-calorie, full-flavor light beer alongside limited-edition hand-rolled cigars and co-branded pin flags for guests stopping by.
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Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer has entered a partnership in the golf industry. (Garage Beer / Fox News)
“At Garage Beer, we’ve always believed you win by doing things the right way. It starts with making a better product and being yourself as a brand. That’s why Malbon made so much sense for us,” Garage Beer Vice President of Marketing Jay McDonald said in a statement to Fox Business.
“Golf’s supposed to be fun, and beer’s always been part of that. It’s a day outside with the crew, cold ones in hand and gear that brings real style to the course. We’re stoked for our official launch in Augusta at Malbon Home and look forward to showcasing what comes next.”
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Jason Day of Australia wears Malbon pants as he walks off the 10th tee during the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club May 9, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (Keyur Khamar/PGA Tour via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Garage Beer is based in Columbus, Ohio, not far from where Malbon golfer Jason Day lives.
Garage Beer and Malbon will continue showing up together at Malbon Home activations, Bucket Cup events and Sip & Shop retail experiences tied to upcoming apparel capsules, with everything centered around community, content and making golf feel more inclusive and fun.
Where culture and fashion intersect with golf, you’ll find Malbon Golf, the brand founded by Stephen and Erica Malbon in 2017 because of their love for the game.
It’s a lifestyle brand that has appealed to the likes of famous rappers, skateboarders, athletes in other sports, the everyday golfer and Tour players like Day, who wanted individuality back on the course.

Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs embrace after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Malbon’s mission is “to inspire today’s youth to participate in the greatest game on Earth.”
Partnering with possibly the two most famous NFL brothers ever figures to help that cause.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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Form 13D/A Repay Holdings Corp For: 3 April

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Samsung Now Lets You Control Your Smart Home Straight Using Your Car Infotainment
Controlling your home from your car used to be a sci-fi concept. Samsung just made it real.
The South Korean tech giant recently launched a feature called “Car-to-Home” via its SmartThings platform, and it is available on Hyundai or Kia vehicles. This feature transforms its infotainment system into a smart home remote.
The New Car-to-Home Feature
According to Samsung, Car-to-Home is a new feature that allows users to control SmartThings-connected home appliances directly on a car’s dashboard. It offers support for appliances like air purifiers, air conditioners, lights, cameras, and robot vacuums.
Samsung designed Car-to-Home with a simple interface that takes minimal effort to set up. Drivers only need to scan a QR code displayed in the SmartThings app on their infotainment system to link their accounts.
It Works Both Ways
Samsung and Hyundai previously worked together on the venture called “Home-to-Car,” which works the other way around. Here, instead of cars controlling the smart home, users may check their car’s status, lock the doors, start the engine, and more directly from the comforts of their abode.
With the introduction of this new tech, Samsung flips the script around with Car-to-Home to let users control their homes from their cars. Now, users can control their homes from their cars, as well as their cars from their homes.
Smart Routines Make It More Than Just a Remote
The real value here goes beyond manually toggling switches. Car-to-Home unlocks location-aware automation that changes how your home responds to your day.
You can set routines so that SmartThings turns on appliances as you pull into your garage, pre-cools rooms, or runs air purifiers before you walk through the door.
It can also automatically shut everything off as you leave the driveway, with a dedicated Away Mode handling lights while you are out.
Which Cars Support It?
The feature works with Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit infotainment platform, which first debuted in November 2022. It is rolling out through a software update.
There are several eligible models shared by Samsung, and they include Hyundai’s Grandeur, Santa Fe, and IONIQ 5. In addition, Kia’s Sorento and EV9 are eligible to use the feature.
Samsung plans to expand Car-to-Home’s technology to Genesis vehicles that have the ccIC27 infotainment system available.
Originally published on Tech Times
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Meta to lay off about 200 workers in San Francisco Bay Area in May
UBS financial advisor Ryan Lynch and Laffer Tengler Investments CEO and CIO Nancy Tengler discuss the Meta and Google verdict and analyze oil markets on Mornings with Maria.
Tech giant Meta is planning to move forward with laying off about 200 employees in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The company’s layoffs will affect 124 employees from its site in Burlingame, California, along with 74 in Sunnyvale. Those cuts are expected to take effect in late May, with the Burlingame cuts slated for May 22 and the Sunnyvale layoffs a week later on May 29.
All positions involved will be eliminated permanently, according to Meta’s regulatory filings with the state of California.
The job cuts are related to an announcement from last month that affected Meta’s sales and recruiting teams and its Reality Labs hardware division. Some of the workers affected by the cuts will be offered other jobs within the company.
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Meta’s latest layoffs will affect about 200 employees in the Bay Area. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure they’re in the best position to achieve their goals,” a Meta spokesperson told FOX Business. “Where possible, we are finding other opportunities for employees whose positions may be impacted.”
The move comes as Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced 700 layoffs last month that affected the company’s recruiting operations and sales teams.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| META | META PLATFORMS INC. | 574.46 | -4.77 | -0.82% |
Meta’s moves to restructure its workforce come as the company is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and has incurred heavy costs in the process.
The company projected it will spend up to $135 billion on capital expenditures, including those related to AI, this year. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also said the company will spend an estimated $600 billion building out its U.S. infrastructure by 2028.
META CUTS OVER 1,000 JOBS IN MAJOR METAVERSE RETREAT

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has overseen aggressive investment in AI and related infrastructure at the tech giant. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Last month, Reuters reported that Meta was planning layoffs that could affect 20% or more of its workforce as it looks to offset those costs and improve its efficiency through AI-driven tools.
Meta employed nearly 79,000 at the start of the year.
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