Nasdaq has announced plans to implement 24-hour trading for five days a week, pending regulatory approval. This initiative aims to cater to global investors seeking access to US markets at various times throughout the day. Nasdaq, the second-largest stock exchange in the United States, hopes to roll out this trading option in the second half of 2026.
Tal Cohen, Nasdaq's president, emphasized the importance of enhancing accessibility for traders across different time zones. He noted that engaging with regulators and stakeholders is a key priority in this process. Cohen highlighted the potential economic benefits such an extension could bring to both the US and global markets.
This announcement follows similar plans from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which revealed in October 2024 its intention to extend trading hours to 22 hours per day. The NYSE's proposal received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission in February but still faces additional regulatory challenges before it can be fully implemented.
Additionally, Cboe Global Markets, based in Chicago, has also expressed intentions to introduce a 24-hour, five-days-a-week trading schedule for equity markets. Cohen underscored the importance of not only creating a 24/5 market but also ensuring that it fosters investor confidence in US capital markets.
As these exchanges explore extended trading hours, the Nasdaq Composite index has experienced fluctuations, recently noted to be down approximately 2.6%, marking its lowest point since before the Trump administration. In early trading on Friday, the index showed little movement.
Overall, the move towards extended trading hours reflects a broader trend among major exchanges to accommodate a more diverse and global investor base.