Nasdaq has begun engaging with regulators to enable 24-hour trading, five days a week on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Tal Cohen, president, Nasdaq
The exchange’s timeline is pending regulatory approval and alignment with industry infrastructure providers, with plans to launch in the second half of 2026.
The development has been linked to increased retail participation, a reduction in barriers to accessing markets through wealth accumulation, and increased appetite to engage with US markets from global investors.
Nasdaq also noted that in the APAC region, investors are increasingly turning their attention to US markets, drawn by opportunities, strong regulatory frameworks and access to high-growth sectors.
“Attracting more investment to our markets presents a compelling opportunity for both the US and global economy. It is therefore incumbent on us to enhance access for those operating across different time zones,” said Tal Cohen, president at Nasdaq.
“[…] Now is the time to engage in rigorous analysis, share insights, and design systems that ensure extended trading hours enhance, rather than adversely impact, the quality of our markets. The question is not whether we can build a market that operates 24/5, but how we do so in a way that strengthens investor confidence in US capital markets today.”
Cohen added that with such a move, market participants, regulators, and infrastructure operators should come together as they did with the successful transition to T+1 settlement and the move to cloud-based markets.
In addition, Cohen noted that the discussion around 24-hour trading should be guided by a collective commitment to help ensure stability, resilience and trust.
“The interconnected nature of our financial system means that no single entity should drive such a shift in isolation,” he said.
Nasdaq will join Cboe Global Markets and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), who have also announced plans for extended trading hours for equities.
Last October, NYSE revealed intentions to extend weekday trading on its Arca Equities Exchange to 22 hours a day to support global, exchange-based trading of all US-listed equity products.
Elsewhere, Cboe Global Markets revealed plans in February to expand its trading hours for US equities, moving to a 24-hour model for five days a week, subject to regulatory approvals.