Wall Street Moves Toward 24-Hour Trading; Banks and Exchanges Build Always-On Markets

Major U.S. banks, trading firms, and stock exchanges are collaborating on a new market structure that could allow trading of stocks and other assets 24 hours a day. The initiative aims to mirror the always-on nature of cryptocurrencies and global electronic markets.

This shift toward continuous trading would represent a significant change from the current system, where U.S. equity markets operate during set hours with pre-market and after-hours sessions. The move is driven by growing demand from retail and institutional investors for round-the-clock access.