Nasdaq will extend its trading hours to nearly 23 hours a day starting on December 6, 2026. The exchange will introduce a new overnight trading session from 9 PM to 4 AM ET, aiming to meet growing global demand for US stocks. This change is pending approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Key Details
The new trading hours will allow investors around the world, particularly in Europe, to trade Nasdaq-listed stocks nearly around the clock. The overnight session will run from 3 AM to 10 AM CET, enabling European traders to access US equities before the London market opens. Nasdaq currently operates from 4 AM to 8 PM ET, with extended hours from 4 AM to 9:30 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM ET.
Background
Nasdaq President Tal Cohen stated that the expansion is designed to "broaden investor access and expand wealth-building opportunities". The exchange noted that foreign holdings of US equities reached $17 trillion by mid-2024, a 97% increase since 2019. This move aims to capture a share of this growing market rather than lose it to other platforms that offer round-the-clock trading.
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The extended trading hours could increase trading volumes in US equities, particularly among international investors. This shift may lead to heightened liquidity and price discovery during non-traditional hours. Investors will watch for SEC approval and any potential regulatory hurdles that could affect the launch of this new trading schedule.
Based on reporting by: euronews.com, livemint.com