Another major stock exchange moves toward 24-hour trading

By Jamie Chisholm

The London Stock Exchange will start around-the-clock trading of exchange-traded products

The LSE says it's launching around-the-clock trading next year.

Investors' ability to trade around the clock and across the globe took another step closer on Tuesday after the London Stock Exchange said it would start a new 24-hour trading venue.

"The launch of LSE 24 marks an important step in the evolution of our markets, providing clients with greater flexibility beyond traditional trading hours and supporting more digital, connected global markets," said Julia Hoggett, CEO of London Stock Exchange Group (UK:LSEG).

The LSE move comes as traditional exchanges face increased competition for retail investors who are attracted by always available crypto-based platforms such as Coinbase Global (COIN), and perpetual futures contracts on a swath of assets from platforms like the blockchain-driven Hyperliquid.

Trading app Robinhood Markets (HOOD) has been offering 24-hour access to stocks for three years, and recently U.K. spreadbetting companies have started providing the opportunity for out-of-hours betting on U.S. stocks, too.

Established bourses are fighting back. The New York Stock Exchange in October announced plans to allow customers to trade 22 hours a day on its electronic Arca exchange, from 1:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Eastern.

And in March, Nasdaq said it had begun taking with U.S. regulators about providing 24-hour trading.

The LSE said its 24-hour platform, which will operate separately from its main market, will be available for client testing by the end of 2026, with exchange-traded products launching as the first asset class in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

"ETPs are a natural starting point, given London's established position as a leading international ETP hub and the strong global demand for products that provide efficient exposure to markets worldwide," said the LSE.

The LSE 24 platform will provide access to agentic AI systems to manage investments. "By combining extended-hours access with agentic connectivity, the venue is designed to support the next generation of market participation as trading becomes more digital, automated and globally connected," said LSE.

It won't quite be fully 24 hours, however. LSE 24 will operate from 17:00 to 07:50 London time with a 30-minute pause between 18:30 and 19:00 to apply end of day processes.

Trading will continue on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market between 08:00 and 16:30.

-Jamie Chisholm

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