By the second part of 2026, Nasdaq 24-hour trading plan is set to be available on its platform, subject to regulatory approval.
With this initiative, Nasdaq is taking cues from the cryptocurrency markets. The objective is to improve access to capital, align with international markets, and provide investors with greater flexibility. The exchange strives to ensure the required regulatory frameworks and infrastructure are in place before implementation, said Tal Cohen, president of the Nasdaq.
Nasdaq 24-hour Trading Plan
Nasdaq would become the first significant U.S. stock exchange to operate 24/7 under the initiative, replacing the current trading hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Cohen wrote on X,
“We are thrilled to announce that Nasdaq has started interacting with regulators, market players, and other important stakeholders to facilitate trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market around the clock, every day of the week.”
As a result, the markets would continue to be closed on weekends.
There is currently limited extended trading available during pre-market and after-hours sessions. Nasdaq’s 24-hour model may significantly impact market liquidity, enabling investors to respond to world events instantly rather than preparing for markets to open.
Market makers, Exchanges, and regulators must work together to maintain liquidity and avoid excessive volatility outside regular trading hours.
Nasdaq is anticipated to collaborate closely with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other industry participants to manage these complexities.
Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin ETF implications
The cryptocurrency market, where securities like Bitcoin trade continually without centralized oversight, is a good fit for a 24-hour trading model.
Some gaps between conventional banking and digital assets have already been filled since spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds launched in early 2024. The move by Nasdaq may bring more cryptocurrency-related goods into the mainstream.
The ability to trade Bitcoin ETFs at any time could improve liquidity and price research as spot ETFs, like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, gain popularity. Additionally, there has been an increase in Bitcoin ETF options trading, which suggests that institutional interest is growing.
