SEC Roundtable Tackles Move to 24-Hour Trading in US Equity Markets
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is hosting a public roundtable on September 17 to discuss moving toward 24-hour trading in US equity markets. SEC Chair Paul Atkins said, 'We are moving towards a new day, and night, in the US equity markets.' The expansion to overnight trading would bring US equity markets more in line with those that already trade continuously.
The roundtable will focus on preparations for supporting overnight trading, as well as operations and resiliency in a 24-hour market. This development comes as several global exchanges are introducing or planning near-24-hour trading, giving retail investors access to continuous trading.
Nasdaq has already begun engaging with US regulators about providing 24-hour trading five days a week on its stock market, aiming for a launch in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory approval and alignment. Similarly, the London Stock Exchange is reportedly planning to launch a night-time trading venue in early 2027.
Cryptocurrency exchanges have long offered continuous trading, but traditional equity markets are just starting to catch up.