Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval for 23-Hour Weekday Trading

Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval for Extended Trading Hours on Weekdays Nasdaq Inc., the second-largest exchange in the US, has submitted a request to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to extend trading hours on its stock venues to 23 hours during the work week. The proposal, filed on Monday, aims to add an additional trading session from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET, on top of the existing pre-market, regular, and post-market hours. According to the filing, the extended trading hours would provide market participants with more flexibility and opportunities to engage in trading activities outside of traditional market hours. This move is expected to increase liquidity and efficiency in the markets, particularly for institutional investors and high-frequency traders who often operate on a global scale. The proposed extended trading hours would bring Nasdaq's total trading hours to 23, with the current schedule operating from 4 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET. This would allow investors to react to market news and events in real-time, potentially leading to more informed decision-making and better risk management. Nasdaq operates two main stock exchanges, the Nasdaq Stock Market and the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which together list over 3,000 companies, including some of the world's largest and most influential brands. The exchange has been a pioneer in introducing new trading technologies and products, including its popular Nasdaq TotalView platform, which provides real-time market data and analytics to institutional investors. The SEC's approval of Nasdaq's proposal would have significant implications for the US financial markets. It would likely lead to increased competition among exchanges, as other major exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), may also seek to extend their trading hours. This could ultimately benefit investors by providing more trading opportunities and increasing market efficiency. If approved, the extended trading hours would be implemented in phases, with the first phase expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Nasdaq has stated that it will work closely with market participants and regulators to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential disruptions to the markets. The SEC's decision on Nasdaq's proposal is expected to be made in the coming months. If approved, the extended trading hours would mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the US financial markets, providing investors with more flexibility and opportunities to engage in trading activities outside of traditional market hours.