Staff Reporter
Nasdaq Inc. is gearing up to implement 24-hour trading on its flagship U.S. exchange, aiming to meet the increasing international appetite for U.S. equities.
In a social media update on Friday, Nasdaq President Tal Cohen announced that the company is exploring a significant expansion to its trading hours.
In a blog post, Cohen indicated that the Nasdaq Stock Market could soon offer round-the-clock trading from Monday through Friday.
This potential move reflects a surge in international interest in the U.S. equity market, driven by increased retail participation, enhanced financial literacy, and more accessible digital trading platforms.
The exchange operator has begun discussions with regulators and anticipates launching this initiative in the latter half of 2026. Cohen emphasized that the strength of the U.S. financial markets—characterized by depth, liquidity, and a solid regulatory framework—has prompted exchanges and financial firms to explore new ways to extend access, particularly through extended trading hours.
By adopting a round-the-clock trading model, Nasdaq aims to capture global demand currently addressed by alternative trading platforms, attracting investors from various time zones, boosting trading volumes, and enhancing market liquidity.
“The global growth of investor demand for U.S. equities presents a pivotal moment for our markets—one that allows us to broaden investor access, expand wealth-building opportunities, and redefine how markets operate,” said Nasdaq President Tal Cohen.
Nasdaq is joining competitors like Cboe Global Markets and Intercontinental Exchange, which operates the New York Stock Exchange, in planning to extend trading hours.
There’s a clear eagerness from investors worldwide for greater access to U.S. markets. Cohen pointed out a notable increase in interest from international investors, particularly in Asia.
Catering to these clients is a strong motivator for exchanges to expand their trading hours, though Cohen acknowledged that challenges remain.
“While trading outside traditional hours has risen in recent years through alternative trading systems and broker-dealer platforms, liquidity during these times is still significantly lower,” Cohen stated.
Additionally, some companies listed on Nasdaq have voiced concerns about the move to a “24-5” trading model. A recent survey revealed that about half of those surveyed expressed worries about maintaining adequate liquidity and managing corporate announcements in this new environment.
Despite these challenges, Cohen remains optimistic that Nasdaq and the industry will collaborate to facilitate a smooth transition.
