Nasdaq Extends Trading Hours to 23 Hours Daily Starting December

Starting December 6, Nasdaq will expand its trading hours to 23 hours a day, five days a week, marking a significant change in the U.S. stock market. Currently, Nasdaq operates for 16 hours daily, including 5.5 hours of pre-market trading, 6.5 hours of regular trading, and 4 hours of after-hours trading. This extension aims to better accommodate global investors, including those in Israel, who face challenges aligning with U.S. market hours.

The new schedule will run almost continuously, with a one-hour break after the late trading session ends at 8:00 p.m. New York time (3:00 a.m. Israel time) for trade processing, system maintenance, and preparation for the next day. Night trading will then commence at 9:00 p.m. New York time (4:00 a.m. Israel time) and continue until 4:00 a.m. New York time (11:00 a.m. Israel time).

Night trading will differ from regular sessions, allowing only limit orders and excluding market orders. It will also be subject to special protective mechanisms. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given preliminary approval for this change, which is expected to enhance market accessibility for international investors.