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The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) announced plans to extend weekday trading hours on its NYSE Arca equities exchange, potentially accommodating the surging global demand for US-listed securities, including Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds).
NYSE Arca is the leading US exchange for listing and trading ETFs. These financial instruments become especially pertinent as investor interest in Bitcoin ETFs and other cryptocurrency-related assets rises.
Bitcoin ETFs Could Trade for 22 Hours A Day
The proposal, which is pending regulatory approval, would see trading extend to 22 hours a day, 5 days a week. The sessions could run from 1:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). This extended schedule would position NYSE Arca as a nearly around-the-clock trading platform.
Traders from various time zones would have increased access to US-listed stocks, crypto ETFs, and closed-end funds. The NYSE believes the expansion will allow investors to trade with more flexibility and will better reflect the global, real-time nature of contemporary financial markets.
“As the steward of the US capital markets, the NYSE is pleased to lead the way in enabling exchange-based trading for our US-listed companies and funds to investors in time zones across the globe,” an excerpt in the announcement read, citing Kevin Tyrrell, Head of Markets, New York Stock Exchange.
This announcement caught the attention of ETF expert Eric Balchunas. The NYSE’s proposal to extend its hours comes as interest in Bitcoin ETFs has intensified following the landmark approval in January. Crypto ETFs offer a regulated option for investors who may be wary of the volatility or complexity associated with holding actual digital assets.
Read more: How To Trade a Bitcoin ETF: A Step-by-Step Approach.
In recent months, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also approved the launch of Bitcoin ETF options. These moves are widely seen as a significant endorsement of crypto-backed investment vehicles.
At the same time, Bitcoin’s reputation as a store of value, especially amid economic uncertainty, has bolstered its popularity and appeal to a broader investor base. The demand for extended trading, therefore, reflects the momentum seen across the cryptocurrency market.
Implications for US Financial Markets and Beyond
Currently, traditional US equity markets operate from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. However, the crypto market’s constant 24/7 trading highlights a discrepancy that could influence the US market’s ability to compete on a global scale. Extending trading hours for Bitcoin ETFs could allow more seamless participation from global investors.
This applies particularly in Europe and Asia, which are often limited by current trading windows. The NYSE’s proposed plan could meet this demand and establish a more inclusive trading environment that acknowledges the increasingly digital and decentralized nature of global finance.
However, this plan still requires regulatory approval, which will be crucial in ensuring the change aligns with US securities laws. To support the extended trading, the NYSE will also seek approval from US securities information processors to ensure real-time data transparency for the extended hours.
“The NYSE plans to file updated rules with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the extended trading. Trades taking place on NYSE Arca during these additional extended hours will continue to be cleared by the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, which recently announced plans to extend its hours of operation,” the announcement added.
Read more: Crypto ETN vs. Crypto ETF: What Is the Difference?
If approved, the plan will open a new chapter for Bitcoin ETFs, enhancing liquidity and making these assets more accessible to investors worldwide. As the proposal awaits regulatory approval, the industry anticipates how such a shift could redefine investor participation. For one, it could drive broader adoption of both traditional and digital financial assets globally.