S&P 500 futures are up 0.3%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are gaining 0.3%. Nasdaq 100 futures are advancing 0.4%. On Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 138 points, or 0.31%, to 44,

Here's what you need to know about whether U.S. stock markets will be open or closed on Black Friday this year.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S., has a reputation as one of the busiest shopping days of the year.The unofficial holiday is traditionally a time when retailers can capitalize on a wave of enthusiasm,

Thursday: U.S. markets are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Friday: Markets close early in the U.S. The stock market closes at 1 p.m., while bond markets are slated to shut down an hour later. Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season.