Nasdaq Plans 24-Hour Trading By 2026 To Meet Global Demand

Nasdaq Inc. is gearing up to launch 24-hour trading on its main U.S. exchange as it seeks to capitalize on the rising global appetite for U.S. equities.

Nasdaq President Tal Cohen announced the plan in a LinkedIn post on Friday, saying the exchange is in talks with regulators and expects to roll out five-day, round-the-clock trading by late 2026.

Investor demand for U.S. stocks is fueled by greater retail participation, increasing financial literacy, and easier access to online trading platforms. Currently, alternative trading venues serve investors outside regular U.S. market hours, but Nasdaq wants to attract global traders directly to boost liquidity and trading volumes.

“The global growth of investor demand for U.S. equities means we stand at another pivotal moment for our markets – to broaden investor access, expand wealth-building opportunities, and redefine how markets function,” Cohen said.

Nasdaq president said that over 56 exchange-traded products tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index have launched in the last five years, with 98% of them outside the U.S. He also pointed out that foreign holdings of U.S. equities reached $17 trillion in June 2024, nearly doubling since 2019.

Despite the expansion, Cohen acknowledged concerns from corporate issuers regarding liquidity and corporate actions, saying the exchange must balance technological innovation with market stability.

Nasdaq joins competitors Cboe Global Markets and Intercontinental Exchange, owner of the New York Stock Exchange, in exploring extended trading hours. According to Michael Ashley Schulman, CIO at Running Point Capital Advisors, regulatory approval will likely follow once securities information processors are updated to support non-stop markets.

Early stages of the rollout may focus on high-market-cap stocks, but questions remain about extra trading fees, liquidity, and fair pricing. Nasdaq confirmed plans to file with the SEC for the necessary approvals.

Some brokerages, including Charles Schwab and Robinhood, already offer limited 24-hour trading, but Nasdaq’s move could set the stage for broader adoption of continuous market access.