Momentum Chasers Maintain Market Volume Before Holiday Break

Despite a holiday week, U.S. markets showed resilient trading as momentum chasing kept volumes near normal. Through noon ET on Apr. 1, 2026, U.S. exchanges traded 8.71 billion shares — the highest intraday midday volume since March 23 and slightly above the year-to-date average — as traders piled into the rebound in risk assets. Futures and major benchmarks were firmer (S&P 500 futures gained), the Nasdaq extended its rally and Bitcoin was notably strong, signaling a broadly bullish tone heading into the holiday-shortened week even as markets prepare to close for Good Friday.