NYSE Explores 24/7 Stock Trading Amid Growing Interest and Challenges

While cryptocurrencies can trade and settle all day and night, stock trading has traditionally followed office hours. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is reportedly gauging interest in 24-hour stock trading, similar to how cryptocurrency markets operate. To test market sentiment, NYSE’s data analytics team put out a survey asking market participants whether they would support 24/7 or 24-hour weekday trading and what systems should be in place to protect traders from overnight price swings. Currently, NYSE, along with the NASDAQ and Chicago Board Options Exchange, trade Monday to Friday between 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. In the U.S., assets such as cryptocurrencies, U.S. Treasurys, foreign exchange, and leading stock index futures can already be traded 24/7, while some brokerages offer 24-hour weekday access to U.S. stocks. However, Robinhood halted its 24-hour trading services following increased tensions between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about the sustainability of around-the-clock trading. Managing liquidity in a 24/7 trading arena has proven a tough task for trading platforms in the cryptocurrency industry. NYSE's poll comes as startup firm 24X National Exchange is seeking approval from the SEC to launch the first round-the-clock exchange in the country. The SEC still has "months" to review the requested rule change, while other stakeholders are already looking at pertinent issues, such as who should bear costs and the role of clearing houses.