NASDAQ is preparing to implement 24-hour trading on its platform by the second half of 2026, with regulatory approval pending.
It appears that NASDAQ is using this initiative to adopt a strategy from the crypto market. The aim is to increase flexibility for investors and increase access to capital to suit global markets. NASDAQ President Tal Cohen said the exchange is working to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are in place before implementation.
The initiative will allow Nasdaq to be the first US stock exchange open 24 hours, moving to the traditional Eastern time trading hours between 9:30am and 4pm.
“We look forward to sharing that NASDAQ has begun to engage with regulators, market participants and other key stakeholders,” Cohen wrote.
This means the market is still closing over the weekend.
Currently, pre-market and out-of-hour sessions offer limited extension transactions. NASDAQ’s 24-hour model can have a significant impact on market liquidity, allowing investors to respond to global events in real time without waiting for the market to open.
No need, I can lose money between 9:30-4:00 pic.twitter.com/3zfy7wuhio
-Athanasios psarofagis (@psarofagis) March 7, 2025
Maintaining liquidity and preventing excessive volatility outside traditional trading hours requires cooperation between exchanges, market makers and regulatory authorities.
NASDAQ is expected to work closely with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other industry stakeholders to navigate these complexities.
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Impact on crypto and Bitcoin ETFs
The 24-hour trading model coincides with the crypto market where assets like Bitcoin (BTC) are traded continuously without centralized surveillance.
The introduction of funds traded on Spot Bitcoin Exchange in early 2024 bridges some gaps between traditional financial and digital assets. The NASDAQ shift could potentially integrate crypto-related products into more mainstream markets.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust have gained traction, so the ability to trade these equipment for hours at any time could enhance liquidity and price discovery. Bitcoin ETF option trading is also gaining momentum, indicating a growing institutional interest.
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