### Nasdaq's Ambitious Move to Extend Trading Hours: Aiming for 23-Hour Access In a significant shift for the U.S. stock market, Nasdaq has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to extend its trading hours to 23 hours on weekdays, from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET. This proposal is part of a broader trend towards nearly continuous trading, reflecting the increasing demand from global investors for access to U.S. equities, which represent a substantial portion of the global market value. The move aims to align U.S. trading practices with global standards and cater to the evolving needs of investors in a digital and interconnected financial landscape [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nasdaq-seeks-sec-approval-23-023946523.html, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/12/16/markets/nasdaq-trading-hours-wall-street]. ### Structure of Nasdaq's Proposal and Market Context 1. **Regulatory Approval**: Nasdaq is seeking SEC approval to implement the extended trading hours, which would allow for trading from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET on weekdays [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/nasdaq-seeks-sec-approval-for-23-hour-stock-trading-week-by-2026]. 2. **Global Market Alignment**: The extension is designed to meet the demands of global investors, as U.S. equities are valued at nearly $17 trillion, and the current trading hours do not adequately serve international markets [https://moneycheck.com/nasdaq-plans-to-unlock-nonstop-trading-access-for-global-stock-investors]. 3. **Industry Trends**: This initiative is part of a larger trend in the financial industry towards 24/7 trading, reflecting the changing dynamics of investor behavior and the need for more flexible trading options [https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/nasdaq-files-for-23-hour-extended-trading-to-meet-crypto-era-demands]. 4. **Technological Advancements**: The push for extended trading hours is also influenced by advancements in technology that facilitate round-the-clock trading, making it feasible for exchanges to operate for longer periods [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/nasdaq-plans-round-the-clock-stock-trading-targets-global-investors/article70400691.ece]. ### Supporting Evidence and Market Data - **Current Trading Hours**: Nasdaq currently operates for 16 hours on weekdays, and the proposed change would increase this to 23 hours, moving closer to a 24/5 model by 2026 [https://coinfomania.com/nasdaq-trading-hours-to-extend-to-nearly-24-5-by-2026]. - **Market Value**: The U.S. stock market accounts for nearly two-thirds of the global market value of listed companies, underscoring the importance of U.S. equities in the global financial ecosystem [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/12/16/markets/nasdaq-trading-hours-wall-street]. - **Investor Demand**: There is a growing demand for U.S. stocks from international investors, which Nasdaq aims to address through this extended trading proposal [https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/12/16/nasdaq-seeks-to-extend-trading-hours-as-wall-street-gears-up-for-24-7-move]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Shift Towards Global Accessibility In summary, Nasdaq's proposal to extend trading hours to 23 hours on weekdays represents a strategic move to enhance accessibility for global investors and align with international trading practices. The key points are: 1. **Regulatory Approval**: Nasdaq is actively seeking SEC approval for the extended hours. 2. **Global Demand**: The initiative is driven by the need to cater to a growing international investor base. 3. **Technological Feasibility**: Advances in technology support the feasibility of longer trading hours. 4. **Market Positioning**: This move positions Nasdaq to better compete in a globalized financial market. By implementing these changes, Nasdaq aims to not only meet current market demands but also to set a precedent for future trading practices in the evolving landscape of global finance [https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/nvidia-apple-and-teslas-nasdaq-files-to-extend-trading-hours-to-23-5, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/nasdaq-applies-for-new-trading-hours-us-tech-benchmark-could-run-23-hours-a-day-check-the-proposed-schedule/articleshow/125994989.cms].