The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing 24-hour trading, as part of efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the UK market. Currently, shares listed in London trade only between 8am and 4.30pm, while cryptocurrencies like bitcoin trade around the clock and platforms such as Robinhood offer after-hours trading.
According to the Financial Times, LSEG is examining the practicalities of extending trading hours, including the required technology, regulatory hurdles, effects on dual-listed companies, and potential impact on liquidity. One source familiar with the matter said the group is “absolutely looking at it, whether it means 24-hour trading or extended trading” and is engaged in “important commercial, policy and regulatory discussions”.
Other exchanges are also considering extended hours. Last autumn, the New York Stock Exchange sought regulatory approval to extend its trading window from 9:30am-4pm to 1:30am-11:30pm. However, such moves could prove controversial, with some brokers arguing that extended hours would complicate trade clearing and require significant technological and staffing changes. Extended hours could also pose challenges for open-ended funds, which calculate their value once a day at market close.
The consideration of extended hours comes amid a broader push to make the UK stock market more attractive after a series of high-profile companies moved listings to the US. Recent examples include construction equipment rental firm Ashtead, gambling group Flutter Entertainment, and building materials provider CRH. Last month, online payments company Wise announced plans to dual-list in the US and UK, though co-founder Taavet Hinrikus has urged shareholders to vote against the proposal, citing a lack of transparency over governance changes.
The government is also reviewing regulations to stimulate growth. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently told City bosses that rules and red tape were acting as a “boot on the neck” of businesses and risked “choking off” innovation without bold reforms.
