Nasdaq Could Extend Trading to Nearly 24 Hours

Nasdaq is seeking regulatory approval to significantly extend its trading hours, potentially moving U.S. equities closer to near round-the-clock trading on weekdays.

According to documents submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reported by Bloomberg, Nasdaq has proposed adding an additional overnight trading session running from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This would be on top of the existing premarket, regular trading session, and after-hours trading.

If approved, Nasdaq-listed stocks could be traded for up to 23 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

Global investors drive the push

Nasdaq executives say the proposal reflects the growing international demand for U.S. equities, particularly from investors located outside North America.

“This evolution reflects a simple reality: global investors expect access to markets on their terms, in their time zones, without compromising market integrity,”

The exchange believes extended hours would allow overseas investors to trade U.S. stocks during their local business hours rather than overnight, improving accessibility and participation.

Faster price discovery — but higher risks

Market participants broadly welcome the idea of extended trading, noting that it could help prices adjust more quickly to corporate earnings, macroeconomic data, and geopolitical developments released outside regular U.S. market hours.

However, some traders and liquidity providers have raised concerns. Nearly continuous trading may leave investors with less time to digest news after market close and could lead to greater volatility during low-liquidity periods, particularly overnight.

Possible launch in 2026

Nasdaq has previously signaled its intention to expand trading hours as part of a broader strategy to capitalise on rising global interest in U.S. stocks. The exchange said it expects the change could take effect in the third quarter of 2026, subject to SEC approval and coordination with brokers, market makers, and other industry participants.

For investors in Asia-Pacific regions, the move could be particularly impactful. Pepperstone Group strategist Dilin Wu described the proposal as a breakthrough.

“It effectively shifts access to U.S. equities into Australian trading hours, allowing investors to act immediately rather than wait through the night,”

“For technology and higher-risk U.S. stocks, this is a meaningful step toward a truly global market,” Wu added.

Wall Street moving beyond traditional hours

Nasdaq is not alone. Other U.S. exchanges have also explored longer trading days. The New York Stock Exchange has proposed extending trading to 22 hours on weekdays and received preliminary SEC approval earlier this year.

Together, these initiatives suggest Wall Street is gradually adapting to a global investor base that no longer operates on a single time zone.