Nasdaq announced Friday that it intends to allow 24-hour trading five days a week to take advantage of investors around the world wanting to trade US markets.

The second-largest stock exchange in the country after the New York Stock Exchange is awaiting regulatory approval for the plan, but it hopes this trading option will be available in the second half of 2026.

"We are excited to share that Nasdaq has begun engaging with regulators, market participants and other key stakeholders, with a view of enabling 24-hour trading five days a week on the Nasdaq Stock Market," Nasdaq's president Tal Cohen said in a blog post.

"Attracting more investment to our markets presents a compelling opportunity for both the US and global economy," he said.

"It is therefore incumbent on us to enhance access for those operating across different time zones. "

Nasdaq's announcement follows the NYSE, which is part of Intercontinental Exchange, saying in October 2024 that it plans to extend weekday trading to 22 hours a day.

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved the plans in February, though the NYSE still has other regulatory hurdles to navigate before launching extended trade.

Last month, Chicago-based Cboe Global Markets said it also plans to introduce a 24-hour, five-days-a-week schedule for equity trading.

"The question is not whether we can build a market that operates 24/5, but how we do so in a way that strengthens investor confidence in US capital markets today," Cohen said.

The Nasdaq Composite was down about 2.6% on Thursday to just above 18,000, its lowest since before President Donald Trump 's election, and formally in the territory of a market correction. In early trade Friday, it was virtually unchanged.

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