U.S. stock markets closed early on Black Friday, November 29, 2024, at 1 p.m. EST, following the Thanksgiving holiday. Despite the abbreviated trading session, stocks rose, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.17%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 1.39%, and the Russell 2000 index surging by 1.43%. This performance caps off a strong November for the markets, with the Russell 2000 up 11% for the month and the S&P 500 up 6%. The Nasdaq also saw a 5.3% increase for November. The gains on Black Friday follow a trend where stocks have historically risen on this day, with this year's performance being one of the best since 2012.