The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced a public roundtable scheduled for September 17, 2026, to explore the possibility of extending equity trading to a 24-hour schedule. Chairman Paul Atkins emphasized that allowing overnight trading could help U.S. markets better align with global exchanges.
Details on the Upcoming Roundtable
The event will focus on key areas such as how market participants would prepare for overnight sessions, the robustness of market infrastructure to support continuous trading, and the potential obstacles facing a transition to longer trading hours. Stakeholders are invited to submit their input now through public comments, referencing File Number 4-913.
Currently, U.S. equity markets operate primarily during regular business hours, unlike several major international markets that offer extended or round-the-clock trading. This roundtable marks a significant step toward examining the pros and cons of adopting a 24-hour system in the U.S.
Market analysts note that roughly 20% of global trading now occurs outside standard U.S. hours, highlighting a shift in investor behavior and technological capabilities. A move to 24-hour trading could impact liquidity and volatility patterns, requiring careful regulatory evaluation.
