Nasdaq eyes $1T market with 24-hour trading

Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) are moving towards implementing round-the-clock trading, a shift partly influenced by the 24/7 trading model of cryptocurrencies.

This change aims to meet the growing demand from global investors who want to trade stocks at any time, mirroring the flexibility offered by crypto markets.

The Nasdaq has started discussions with regulators to enable 24-hour trading five days a week, with plans to launch this service in the second half of 2026, pending approval.

Meanwhile, the NYSE has already received approval to extend its trading hours to 22 hours a day.

Giang Bui, Nasdaq’s head of U.S. Equities Exchange-Traded Products, noted that the global demand for U.S. stocks and the familiarity with crypto’s 24/7 trading hours are driving this change.

"We definitely see that this is where the markets are moving," Bui said, highlighting the influence of crypto trading habits on traditional markets.

Round-the-clock trading is expected to boost market liquidity and volume by allowing traders to operate across different time zones without restrictions.

This could significantly enhance the attractiveness of U.S. markets to international investors, who are increasingly interested in U.S. equities.

Nasdaq's move follows a broader trend of increasing global interest in U.S. stocks, with foreign holdings reaching $17 trillion in June 2024.

The exchange also lists various crypto-related products, further bridging the gap between traditional and digital assets.

While the NYSE plans to extend trading to 22 hours a day, Nasdaq and other exchanges like Cboe are exploring even more extensive trading schedules, potentially up to seven days a week.

However, regulatory hurdles and concerns about liquidity and market integrity remain key challenges to be addressed.