Nasdaq to Introduce 24-Hour Trading by the Second Half of 2026
Nasdaq is set to revolutionize the stock market with plans to introduce 24-hour trading by the second half of 2026. This move comes as a response to the increasing global retail investment and mirrors the nonstop activity of the crypto market.
Tal Cohen, Nasdaq President, confirmed this development on March 7, highlighting ongoing discussions with regulators, market participants, and infrastructure providers. The goal is to extend trading hours to five days a week without interruptions. However, Cohen emphasized that regulatory alignment and collaboration with industry infrastructure providers are crucial before implementation.
The Shift to 24-Hour Trading: Why Nasdaq is Making the Change
Cohen explained that the decision to shift to 24-hour trading is driven by the surge in global retail investment. With more investors from international markets entering the US stock market due to lower barriers and increased interest in assets like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), foreign ownership of US equities has nearly doubled in recent years, reaching $17 trillion by mid-2024. This trend underscores the growing demand for greater market accessibility.
Cohen stated, “In the APAC region, investors are increasingly turning their attention to US markets, drawn by the depth of opportunities, strong regulatory framework, and access to high-growth sectors such as technology and healthcare.” The extended trading hours aim to accommodate international investors and make the market more inclusive, although challenges such as low liquidity and volatility in after-hours trading still persist.
Despite these challenges, Cohen believes that Nasdaq has the technological capabilities to support 24-hour trading seamlessly.
Influence of the Crypto Market
Nasdaq’s move towards 24-hour trading aligns with the crypto industry’s continuous trading model. Unlike traditional stock markets, the crypto market operates 24/7 without centralized restrictions. Some experts suggest that blockchain technology has influenced Nasdaq’s decision, bringing traditional finance closer to the DeFi model, where trading happens in real-time without barriers.
Mike Cahill, CEO of Oracle Network Pyth, emphasized this shift, stating, “Markets never sleep. Nasdaq’s move toward 24-hour trading mirrors what crypto & DeFi have proven for years—continuous markets drive efficiency, liquidity, and global access. The future isn’t just non-stop trading; it’s real-time, permissionless, and on-chain.”
In conclusion, Nasdaq’s move towards 24-hour trading signifies a significant shift in the traditional stock market landscape, aiming to cater to the evolving needs of global investors and aligning with the continuous trading model of the crypto industry. With regulatory alignment and technological advancements in place, Nasdaq is poised to lead the way in transforming the stock market into a more accessible and inclusive platform for all investors.