Nasdaq Inc. has announced plans to introduce 24-hour trading, five days a week, on its primary U.S. exchange. This initiative aims to cater to the increasing global demand for U.S. equities, particularly from international investors operating in different time zones. The exchange operator has started discussions with regulators and expects to launch this extended trading schedule in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
The move reflects a broader industry trend toward extended trading hours. In October 2024, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) announced plans to extend its trading hours to 22 hours a day, a proposal that received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in February 2025. Similarly, Cboe Global Markets has filed for permission to offer 24-hour, five-day-a-week trading on its main U.S. stock venue.
Nasdaq’s decision is driven by the growing international appetite for U.S. equities, with foreign holdings reaching $17 trillion in June 2024—a 97% increase from 2019. This surge is attributed to rising retail participation, increasing financial literacy, and easier access to digital trading platforms.
However, the transition to 24-hour trading presents challenges. Concerns have been raised about liquidity during overnight hours, which is currently significantly lower, leading to higher volatility and transaction costs. Additionally, operational issues such as extending the operation of transaction records and handling corporate actions need to be addressed. A recent Nasdaq survey indicated that around half of its listed companies have reservations about expanding trading hours, particularly regarding liquidity and corporate actions.
Nasdaq is forming a group to engage with industry participants to mitigate potential risks and ensure that the extended trading hours strengthen investor confidence in U.S. capital markets. The exchange believes that its longstanding investments in technology and infrastructure will ensure a stable and resilient 24-hour trading experience.
The implementation of 24-hour trading is anticipated in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval and alignment with market infrastructure providers. This development underscores the evolving landscape of global financial markets and the efforts of major exchanges to adapt to the needs of a diverse and growing investor base.