Nasdaq Plans to Launch 24-Hour Trading in 2026
Nasdaq is planning to introduce 24-hour trading on its exchange in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
In this way, Nasdaq is aiming to adopt strategies from the cryptocurrency market. The goal of this initiative is to provide investors with more flexibility, align with global markets, and increase access to capital. Tal Cohen, President of Nasdaq, stated that the exchange is working to ensure the necessary infrastructure and regulatory framework before launching.
The initiative would make Nasdaq the first major stock exchange in the US to operate continuously, abandoning the traditional trading hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern.
“We are pleased to announce that Nasdaq has begun discussions with regulators, market partners and key stakeholders,” Cohen said. “Our goal is to enable 24-hour trading five days a week on the Nasdaq Stock Market.”
This means the exchange will remain closed on weekends.
Currently, after-hours trading sessions offer limited options. Nasdaq’s 24-hour trading model could dramatically change the liquidity of the market, allowing investors to react immediately to global events without waiting for the market to open.
Maintaining liquidity and limiting volatility outside of traditional trading hours will require coordination between exchanges, market makers and regulators.
Nasdaq intends to work closely with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and industry stakeholders to address these challenges.
Implications for Crypto and Bitcoin ETFs
This 24-hour trading model is a perfect fit for the crypto market, where assets like Bitcoin operate continuously without a central entity.
The launch of Bitcoin spot ETFs in early 2024 has helped bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. Nasdaq’s adoption of continuous trading will likely further integrate crypto products into the mainstream financial market.
With the rise of Bitcoin spot ETFs, such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, the ability to trade these instruments 24/7 could improve liquidity and price discovery. Bitcoin ETF options trading is also growing, reflecting growing interest from institutional investors.
