Cboe Plans 24-Hour Stock Trading to Match Crypto Market Demands

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The financial world is on the brink of a transformative shift as Cboe Global Markets, one of the largest exchange operators globally, announces plans to launch 24-hour U.S. equities trading from Monday to Friday. This bold move signals a growing convergence between traditional finance and the fast-evolving crypto ecosystem, where round-the-clock trading has long been the norm.

As investor demand for real-time market access intensifies—especially from Asia-Pacific regions—Cboe’s initiative reflects a broader trend: the reimagining of financial markets in the digital age. With extended trading hours already common in cryptocurrency markets, this development suggests that traditional exchanges are adapting to stay competitive in an increasingly global and decentralized financial landscape.

👉 Discover how 24/7 trading is reshaping global investment strategies.

Cboe's 24x5 Trading Vision for U.S. Equities

Cboe Global Markets has officially unveiled plans to offer 24-hour stock trading on its Cboe EDGX Exchange during weekdays. This means investors will soon be able to trade U.S. equities at any time from Monday through Friday, aligning more closely with the always-on nature of crypto markets.

The decision stems directly from feedback gathered from institutional and retail investors across Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia—all regions where local market hours create timing challenges for accessing U.S. stocks during regular American trading sessions.

Oliver Sung, Head of North American Equities at Cboe, emphasized the strategic rationale behind the shift:

“We’ve heard strong calls from international investors for extended trading access. By launching 24x5 trading, we’re meeting that demand head-on. As a leader in transparent and liquid markets, Cboe is uniquely positioned to support continuous trading.”

This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about inclusivity. By removing time-based barriers, Cboe aims to level the playing field for global participants who previously had limited opportunities to react to overnight news or pre-market movements.

Rising Demand for Always-On Financial Markets

Cboe already operates 27 trading venues across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific, spanning five major asset classes. It has been progressively expanding extended-hours services, recognizing the growing appetite for non-stop market access.

For example, EDGX currently allows order entry starting at 2:30 a.m. ET, with formal trading beginning at 4:00 a.m. and running until 8:00 p.m. ET. Over the past three years (2022–2024), early-session trading volume on Cboe platforms surged by 135%, underscoring sustained demand for longer market availability.

Moreover, Cboe already supports near-continuous trading in several derivatives markets, including:

These markets operate with minimal downtime, proving that infrastructure exists to support high-frequency, global participation. Extending similar capabilities to equities is a logical next step—one that could redefine how investors manage risk and capitalize on real-time events.

Tokenized Assets: The Bridge Between TradFi and DeFi

Parallel to Cboe’s structural evolution, another powerful force is reshaping finance: real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. By converting traditional assets like government bonds, corporate loans, or equities into blockchain-based tokens, financial systems gain unprecedented efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

According to data from RWA.xyz, the total value of tokenized real-world assets has reached $17.1 billion** worldwide. The largest segment is tokenized private credit ($11.8 billion), followed by U.S. Treasury bonds ($3.43 billion). In contrast, tokenized stocks remain relatively small—valued at just **$16 million—but poised for explosive growth.

VanEck, a leading asset management firm, predicts that tokenized securities could hit $50 billion by 2025, representing hundreds of times current market size. This forecast highlights the immense untapped potential in digitizing traditional equity markets.

Even BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has publicly endorsed asset tokenization during the World Economic Forum, urging the SEC to accelerate regulatory frameworks for blockchain-based securities. He argued that tokenization enhances liquidity, reduces settlement times, and increases market transparency—benefits that resonate across both institutional and retail investing communities.

👉 Explore how blockchain is transforming traditional asset trading.

How RWA Technology Is Reshaping Finance

The integration of blockchain technology into mainstream finance isn’t speculative—it’s already happening. Projects are actively tokenizing everything from real estate to carbon credits, and now major institutions like Cboe are responding with infrastructure upgrades that mirror crypto-native practices.

As Bitwise previously noted, tokenization lowers entry barriers for smaller companies seeking capital while enabling fractional ownership and faster cross-border transactions. When combined with 24/7 trading capabilities, these innovations could fundamentally alter how capital flows across global markets.

Cboe’s move toward continuous equities trading may seem incremental, but it reflects a deeper transformation: the blurring line between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). As exchanges adopt crypto-like operating models and legacy assets migrate onto blockchains, investors stand to benefit from faster execution, greater liquidity, and more responsive markets.

This shift also presents new opportunities for retail investors who previously faced structural disadvantages due to time zones or limited access. With around-the-clock trading and programmable assets, financial inclusion becomes not just a goal—but an achievable reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does 24x5 trading mean?
A: 24x5 refers to 24 hours a day, five days a week (Monday to Friday). Unlike crypto markets that operate 24/7, this model excludes weekends but ensures full-day access during business days.

Q: Why is Cboe introducing 24-hour stock trading now?
A: Growing demand from international investors—particularly in Asia—drives the need for extended access. Market data shows a 135% increase in early-session volume since 2022, validating this strategic shift.

Q: Will all stocks be available for 24-hour trading?
A: Initially, participation will depend on issuer eligibility and regulatory compliance. However, major blue-chip listings are expected to be included as the system scales.

Q: How does tokenization improve stock market efficiency?
A: Tokenization enables faster settlement (near-instant vs. T+2), reduces intermediaries, allows fractional ownership, and supports automated compliance through smart contracts.

Q: Is 24-hour trading riskier for investors?
A: While continuous access offers flexibility, it also requires robust risk management tools. Cboe plans to implement enhanced surveillance and liquidity protocols to maintain market stability.

Q: Can retail investors benefit from these changes?
A: Absolutely. Extended hours and tokenized assets democratize access, allowing global investors to trade on equal footing regardless of location or time zone.

👉 See how next-gen trading platforms are empowering retail investors worldwide.

The Future of Global Markets: Seamless, Digital, Always Open

Cboe’s push toward 24-hour equities trading is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a signal of structural change in global finance. As traditional markets adopt features pioneered by cryptocurrency ecosystems, we’re witnessing the emergence of a unified financial infrastructure that blends speed, accessibility, and innovation.

With real-world asset tokenization, extended trading windows, and cross-border digital settlement, the next era of investing will be defined by fluidity rather than fragmentation. Whether you're an institutional player or an individual trader, the tools for participation are becoming more equitable and efficient than ever before.

While regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, momentum is clearly building toward a future where financial markets operate seamlessly across time zones and asset classes—just like the crypto markets that inspired them.

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