The Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) has suggested key principles and measures to be implemented across the industry as discussions around 24-hour trading in Europe become more prominent.
In a statement, the association recommended preserving market-driven flexibility and operational readiness for extended hours, to ensure a pan-European measured and evidence-based approach to market structures against the evolving industry landscape.
FESE said that ahead of upcoming developments, trading venues should retain responsibility for trading hours, which reflect the needs of local and cross-border investors while respecting Europe’s diverse market dynamics and ecosystem.
Additionally, the group called on the continent to be prepared with regards to both incoming operations and regulations, such as the possibility of extended trading hours.
The pending deadline for T+1 settlement on 11 October 2027 was also a key part of the group’s announcement, which stated that the transition should be designed in a way which allows for longer trading hours, if required, to ensure trading flexibility.
FESE said that the recommendations are influenced by a drive to maintain competitive and responsive markets which align with investor expectations.
Read more – An un-unified approach to expanding equities trading hours
The statement comes after a recent uptake in interest around 24-hour trading discussions in Europe, following widespread expansion in the US equity market.
In October 2024, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) proposed plans to extend weekday US equities trading on its NYSE Arca platform to 22 hours a day, subject to regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, 24X National Exchange received approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for near-continuous sessions for equities trading.
Read more – Nasdaq to launch 24-hour trading for US equities
Similarly, Cboe Global Markets announced plans in February 2025 to expand its US equities trading hours to a 24/5 model, closely followed by news that Nasdaq had begun engaging with regulators to enable 24-hour trading, five days a week on the Nasdaq Stock Market.