SEC Ponders 24-Hour Stock Trading

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is holding a roundtable discussion to explore the feasibility of 24-hour stock trading. This move aims to bridge the gap between traditional equities markets, which typically operate on a set schedule, and cryptocurrency networks that enable continuous trading.

Currently, US stocks are available for trading from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, with limited pre-market and after-hours sessions. In contrast, Bitcoin transactions can occur at any time, unaffected by traditional business hours.

The SEC's initiative covers key challenges such as liquidity provision during overnight hours, settlement processes extending beyond traditional business days, and establishing closing prices.