SEC Weighs Extended Trading Hours Amid Growing Crypto Influence
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to hold a roundtable discussion on September 17, 2026, to explore extending trading hours for stocks in the United States. The event will be livestreamed from Washington D.C. and will solicit public comment via File No. 4-913.
The move comes as major exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, and 24X, prepare to extend their trading hours. The NYSE has proposed 22-hour trading on weekdays, while Nasdaq plans to initiate 23-hour trading later in 2026. 24X aims to offer 23-hour trading during weekdays.
The SEC cites the influence of cryptocurrency's 24/7 trading culture as a reason for considering extended trading hours. Regulators believe that this could improve market access, adoption, and resilience, as well as increase token and CEX liquidity.