WFE Analyzes Implications of Extended Trading Hours for Global Markets

The World Federation of Exchanges has released a pivotal study examining the shift toward near-continuous equity trading. Market operators now face a delicate balancing act—harnessing technological feasibility while safeguarding Core market principles.

Investor appetite for extended access, particularly during Asian trading hours for US equities, clashes with operational complexities. Liquidity fragmentation risks and the need for robust overnight controls emerge as critical hurdles.

The evolution from traditional market hours to 22/5 or 23/5 models demands synchronized upgrades across clearing systems and real-time risk infrastructure. Yet the fundamental question remains: Can round-the-clock trading coexist with reliable price discovery and settlement mechanisms?