The Market That Never Sleeps: Nasdaq’s 24/5 Trading Plan
Nasdaq’s Plan to Launch 24-Hour Trading Signals a New Era for Global Investors

Nasdaq Inc. is gearing up to reshape the trading landscape with a bold move toward round-the-clock trading. The second-largest U.S. stock exchange plans to launch 24/5 trading in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval. This initiative mirrors similar efforts by competitors, including Cboe Global Markets and the New York Stock Exchange, all of which are pushing to redefine market accessibility for investors across the globe.
The push for extended trading stems from a growing demand for continuous market access. With retail investors scattered across different time zones and international traders seeking more flexibility, the need for an uninterrupted trading cycle has never been greater. While some firms, like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers, already offer 24-hour trading through alternative platforms, Nasdaq’s move signals a mainstream shift toward a fully operational, round-the-clock equities exchange.
The Road to 24/5 Trading
According to Nasdaq President Tal Cohen, the transition won’t happen overnight. The exchange is carefully navigating regulatory hurdles and industry-wide adjustments before implementation. One critical factor is updating the Securities Information Processor (SIP), the system that tracks and displays the best bid and offer prices in real-time. Without a modernized SIP, ensuring transparency and price accuracy during off-peak hours remains a challenge.
Nasdaq has also acknowledged concerns about liquidity and volatility. While overnight trading has seen increased participation, trading volumes during these hours remain significantly lower than traditional market sessions. This can lead to wider spreads and potential pricing inefficiencies, raising questions about how institutional investors will respond to the new trading framework.
Wall Street’s Divided Response
The concept of 24-hour stock trading has sparked mixed reactions on Wall Street. Advocates argue that global markets require continuous access to U.S. equities, especially as international investors seek to react to breaking news and macroeconomic events in real-time. They believe round-the-clock trading levels the playing field, providing more opportunities for both institutional and retail traders.
Critics, however, warn of potential drawbacks. Lower trading volumes outside of peak hours can lead to price discrepancies and increased transaction costs. Some market veterans also express concerns about the quality of executions in extended sessions, fearing that the shift could introduce unnecessary risk into an already complex trading environment.
The Future of Global Market Access
The push toward continuous trading is not just a Nasdaq initiative; it represents a broader transformation in global finance. As technology advances and trading platforms evolve, the demand for non-stop access to financial markets is becoming a reality. If Nasdaq successfully implements 24/5 trading, it could set a precedent for exchanges worldwide, prompting a shift in how stocks are bought and sold.
For now, the industry remains in a state of cautious optimism. While the idea of uninterrupted trading is enticing, the execution must be precise to maintain investor confidence and market stability. The question remains: is Wall Street truly ready for a stock market that never sleeps?
Conclusion
Nasdaq’s move toward 24-hour trading marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of financial markets. While regulatory approval and infrastructure updates remain hurdles, the potential benefits of global accessibility and increased flexibility are undeniable. As competitors join the race to extend trading hours, one thing is certain—change is on the horizon, and the future of stock trading will never be the same.
