Major U.S. exchanges and clearing firms are ushering in a new era in trading as they move toward 24-hour trading hours. Nasdaq, for example, has been in discussion with regulators to roll out 24-hour, five-days-a-week trading by the second half of 2026. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) also plans to introduce 24-hour equities clearing and settlement by Q2 2026, subject to regulatory approval. These moves are designed to meet the rising global demand for U.S. stocks and give investors in various time zones more market access.
In Canada, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) currently runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, with a post-trading session until 5 p.m. Although you can trade outside market hours in particular brokerage platforms, including the TSX, it has not yet moved to a 24-hour trading environment. Market conditions change, and the global trend toward longer trading hours may influence future considerations for Canadian markets.
Matt Choi, an experienced trader and founder of Certus Trading Inc., is sympathetic to the effect 24-hour trading might have on Canadian investors.
“As global markets move towards 24/7 trading, we may see Canadian investors looking for similar after-hours trading opportunities to more closely mirror international market shifts.”
The Canadian stock market has demonstrated resilience amid global economic challenges. There has been a lot of volatility for the S&P/TSX Composite Index around trade tensions and economic uncertainty. For example, the index fell to a four-month low as investors bet on slower economic growth. Despite these challenges, the TSX has rebounded lately, with broad-sector gains seen in resource shares.
Choi emphasizes the importance of adaptability in this changing environment. “Traders should stay informed of global market news and tweak their strategies as necessary, particularly as extended hours of trading become more widely embraced,” he says.
Technological advancements and the demand for round-the-clock market access are also propelling the move to 24-hour trading. Blue Ocean ATS, an alternative trading system, has extended market hours for near-continuous equity trading during U.S. evening hours. These services are designed to fill the gap between traditional trading hours and expanding accessibility for investors.
In Canada, the TSX hasn’t embraced 24-hour trading yet, but many brokerage firms have extended trading sessions. On the upside, Qtrade offers after-hours trading, which means investors can also be responsive to global developments that happen when the market is closed. This wide range of availability allows traders within Canada to adjust their stance with the movements and macro trends of the economy internationally.
Choi believes extended trading hours would benefit Canadian investors. “After-hours trading enables Canadian investors to react quickly to international events, releases of economic data and geopolitical changes that happen when the traditional market is closed,” he says.
Certus Trading clients have expressed increasing interest in extended trading, a trend we have seen mirrored across the wider investment industry as investors look for ways to diversify their portfolios while capitalizing on movement in global markets.
Other challenges come with this shift to 24-hour trading. When market participation is limited, extended hours can result in greater volatility and poorer liquidity. Investors must be careful and do their diligence to navigate these risks successfully.
Choi recommends traders have a game plan before placing trades on after-hours action. “It is important to understand the differences around extended trading sessions and to use risk management to limit exposure to potential downsides,” he says.
Certus Trading routinely educates its clients on the risks and rewards associated with extended market access, empowering them to make informed choices in this new environment.
Canadian investors and participants must adjust accordingly as these global markets evolve toward a 24-hour trading horizon. It will be crucial to keep up with international and technological developments to seize new opportunities and mitigate new threats.
It’s worth noting that, as per the information available, the Toronto Stock Exchange still operates, like most major exchanges, during a ‘normal’ trading day, and this is likely to continue for the time being as it’s still not a global standard, but with so many markets adopting 24-hour trading, it certainly remains to be seen whether or not 24-hour trading becomes a reality on the Canadian market. Investors must stay proactive and responsive, using the long trading hours to adapt to a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
