The US stock market trading regulations are about to undergo a milestone change. Nasdaq has officially confirmed that its new “Global Trading Hours” plan will be launched on December 6, 2026. This measure has been referred to by some media as a sign of the arrival of the “Global Stock Trading” era.
According to a report by Biggo Finance website on August 9th, the US stock market will enter a new era of trading in December, operating five days a week, 23 hours a day, with only a one-hour break each day.
This change not only reshapes the trading habits of global investors but is also seen as a crucial first step in Nasdaq’s plan to build a new generation of securities trading architecture.
Previously, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved Nasdaq’s “Global Trading Hours” proposal on April 10.
However, for the new system to take effect officially, it is still necessary to wait for the completion of clearing system updates by US securities depositories and for the securities information processor to complete overnight system upgrades.
Market expectations are that with the gradual establishment of the technical infrastructure, the launch schedule on December 6th should be achieved as planned.
In a Q&A explanation released on its official website, Nasdaq stated that this reform reflects a fundamental shift in the global demand for stock market investment.
Chuck Mack, Senior Vice President of Nasdaq’s North American markets, commented on the new system, stating that this reform is not just about extending trading hours. Its goal is to expand opportunities for global investors to participate in US stock market trading, allowing investors from different time zones to conveniently trade according to their own schedules while maintaining market trust and trading order.
Mack pointed out that since 2019, the scale of foreign investors holding US stocks has surged by 97%, reaching approximately $17 trillion by mid-2024. With the rapid popularity of mobile trading platforms and the increased interconnectedness of global markets, the market is gradually moving towards operating around the clock, so trading systems must keep up with changes in investor habits.
He emphasized that the new system is not meant to replace the traditional normal trading hours from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Eastern Time but to enable investors in different time zones such as Asia and Europe to react to market information more promptly.
Additionally, reports indicate that major global exchanges including the New York Stock Exchange, Cboe, and the London Stock Exchange are also concurrently advancing their plans for 24-hour trading, demonstrating that 24-hour trading has become an emerging trend in the industry.