Nasdaq is moving toward a major shift in how U.S. equities trade by proposing a nearly round-the-clock schedule on weekdays. The plan would extend trading to roughly 23 hours per day, leaving only a short daily pause for system maintenance and clearing. If approved, this would mark one of the most significant structural changes in modern U.S. stock markets.
The main driver behind the proposal is global demand. Investors outside the United States often face long delays between major news events and the U.S. market opening. Extended hours would allow international participants to react in real time, reducing overnight gaps and aligning U.S. equities more closely with global financial activity.
Another motivation is competition. Markets that operate continuously, particularly digital asset platforms, have reshaped expectations around accessibility and immediacy. By expanding its trading window, Nasdaq aims to keep traditional equities relevant in an environment where capital can already move at any hour, even if only a subset of investors actively trade overnight.
Still, challenges remain. Liquidity during late hours is expected to be thinner, which can amplify price swings and increase risk. Market makers, banks, and institutional investors must also weigh higher operational costs against uncertain benefits. For now, the proposal signals direction rather than certainty, but it clearly reflects how global and nonstop markets are reshaping Wall Street.
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