Nasdaq to Launch 24/7 Trading in 2026 – A Game Changer for Investors

Nasdaq Inc. is preparing to introduce 24-hour trading on its primary U.S. exchange, a move aimed at tapping into the increasing global demand for American equities. The decision reflects a broader trend of heightened investor interest in the U.S. stock market, which has been fueled by several key factors.

According to a report by Reuters, international demand for U.S. equities has grown significantly in recent years. This surge is attributed to a combination of rising retail participation, improved financial literacy among investors, and the widespread availability of digital trading platforms that make market access easier than ever before. These factors have contributed to a more engaged and active investor base, both domestically and internationally.

Tal Cohen, President of Nasdaq, recently addressed the development in a LinkedIn post, revealing that discussions with U.S. regulators regarding the implementation of round-the-clock trading have already begun. He further stated that the exchange operator anticipates launching the new trading structure in the second half of 2026. The proposed system would allow trading to take place 24 hours a day, five days a week, potentially reshaping how investors engage with the U.S. stock market.

By introducing extended trading hours, Nasdaq aims to provide greater flexibility for investors across different time zones, allowing them to react to global events in real time and manage their portfolios more efficiently. While traditional U.S. market hours have remained relatively fixed, this shift toward a more continuous trading model could mark a significant evolution in how equity markets operate.

A 24-hour trading model has the potential to transform the way stock exchanges operate by enabling them to meet the growing global demand for U.S. equities. Currently, many international investors who wish to trade outside of standard U.S. market hours rely on alternative trading platforms. By extending trading hours, major exchanges like Nasdaq can attract a wider range of investors from different time zones, offering them direct access to the market rather than forcing them to seek out third-party solutions.

Analysts suggest that implementing a round-the-clock trading system could have significant benefits beyond just expanding market access. One of the key advantages would be improved market liquidity, as continuous trading would allow for a more consistent flow of buy and sell orders throughout the day and night. This, in turn, could help reduce price volatility caused by gaps in trading activity and provide more stable pricing for investors.

Additionally, higher trading volumes are expected as more investors—particularly those in Asia, Europe, and other regions—gain the ability to trade U.S. stocks at times that align with their local business hours. By catering to a global investor base and ensuring that markets remain active for longer periods, exchanges could create a more efficient and accessible trading environment that better reflects the 24/7 nature of the modern financial landscape.

Nasdaq President Tal Cohen emphasized the significance of the growing global demand for U.S. equities, stating that the market is at a crucial turning point. According to Cohen, this surge in investor interest presents an opportunity to enhance market accessibility, create more avenues for wealth-building, and reshape the traditional structure of financial markets. By extending trading hours, Nasdaq aims to accommodate a broader range of investors and adapt to the evolving needs of a more interconnected global economy.

With this initiative, Nasdaq joins other major exchange operators that have already begun expanding trading hours. Competitors such as Cboe Global Markets and Intercontinental Exchange, which operates the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), have also taken steps toward longer trading sessions to meet international demand. The trend highlights a growing industry-wide shift toward making financial markets more accessible beyond traditional U.S. trading hours.

A Nasdaq spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that the exchange intends to formally submit a proposal for approval to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This regulatory step will be essential in determining how and when the extended trading model can be implemented. If approved, the move could mark a significant evolution in the way U.S. equity markets operate, offering investors greater flexibility and more opportunities to engage with the market at their convenience.

Some brokerage firms have already taken steps toward extended trading hours. Charles Schwab and Robinhood, for instance, currently provide limited 24-hour trading on their platforms, allowing investors to engage in after-hours transactions to some extent. However, Nasdaq’s move toward a full-fledged 24-hour trading model could significantly expand market accessibility beyond what these brokerages currently offer.

Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 index recently entered correction territory as investors reacted to shifts in the market landscape, particularly concerning large-cap technology stocks. On Friday, the index continued its downward trajectory, reflecting investor concerns about the sustainability of the tech-driven market rally that has taken place over the past two years.

At 10:37 a.m. in New York, the Nasdaq 100 was trading 0.8% lower, bringing its total decline to 10.2% from its recent peak just a month prior. This drop surpassed the 10% threshold typically used to define a market correction. Several major technology stocks contributed to the index’s decline, including Nvidia Corp., which slid 0.7%, Amazon.com Inc., which fell 1.5%, and Microsoft Corp., which dropped 1.9%.

Additionally, the Bloomberg Magnificent 7 Total Return Index, which tracks the performance of the largest tech-driven companies, also experienced losses. The index had already entered correction territory in late February and continued its downward movement, falling 1.1% on Friday. These declines highlight the recent volatility in the tech sector as investors reassess valuations and market conditions.