The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on July 23 that it will hold a public meeting on September 17 at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. to discuss the transition of U.S. stock markets to 24-hour trading. The agenda will cover preparations for overnight trading, 24-hour market operations and resilience, as well as expanded opportunities and challenges. Nasdaq began consulting with U.S. regulators in March, aiming to launch 24/5 stock trading in the second half of 2026.
Details of the SEC Roundtable: September 17
The roundtable will be held on September 17, 2026 at the SEC headquarters at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C., and the location will be open to the public (in-person attendance may be subject to limits, and all attendees must undergo security screening). The discussion will be streamed live on SEC.gov, and a recording will be provided later. Members of the public who wish to comment on 24-hour trading may submit their views electronically or by paper; each person may use only one method. All submissions must reference document number 4-913 (for electronic submissions, indicate document number 4-913 in the subject line).
The submitted information will become part of the roundtable’s public record and will be published on the SEC website; personally identifying information will not be removed. The agenda for the roundtable and information on the participating speakers will be announced prior to the meeting.
SEC Chair Atkins: A New Day-and-Night Mode for U.S. Stock Markets and a Roadmap for 24/7 Trading
SEC Chair Paul Atkins said when announcing the roundtable: “We are moving toward an entirely new day-and-night trading model for U.S. stock markets. As overnight trading expands, I’m pleased to see the U.S. stock market connect with those that already trade around the clock, and I look forward to achieving a balance for around-the-clock trading while safeguarding investors and customers’ equity.”
Atkins previously added: “We are moving toward a new era in the U.S. stock market—and a new dark night.” This series of remarks marks the SEC’s shift from regulatory research to formal public discussion of 24-hour trading, with the roundtable moving related policy deliberations into a public process.
24-Hour Trading Progress at Major Global Exchanges
Against the backdrop of the SEC roundtable announcement, the status of 24-hour stock trading at major global exchanges is as follows:
Nasdaq (U.S.): Beginning in March 2026, Nasdaq will consult with U.S. regulators, aiming to launch 24/5 stock trading in the second half of 2026, but subject to “approval and coordination by the regulatory departments.”
Cboe (Chicago Board Options Exchange, U.S.): Plans to launch 24-hour stock trading (timing to be confirmed in official announcements).
London Stock Exchange (LSE, U.K.): Plans to launch an evening trading venue in early 2027.
FAQ
When will the SEC roundtable on 24-hour stock trading be held, and how can the public submit comments?
The roundtable is scheduled for September 17, 2026 at the SEC headquarters in Washington, D.C. It will be open to the public in person (subject to security screening) and streamed live on SEC.gov. The public may submit comments electronically or by paper; all submissions must reference document number 4-913.
When does Nasdaq plan to launch 24/5 stock trading?
Based on Nasdaq’s public remarks in March 2026, the goal is to launch stock trading for five days per week, 24 hours per day, in the second half of 2026, subject to “approval and coordination by the regulatory departments.” The specific rollout timetable will be subject to the official announcement after regulatory approval.
What are the London Stock Exchange’s plans for evening trading?
According to reports, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) plans to introduce an evening trading venue in early 2027; the specific timing will be subject to an official LSE announcement.
