The Truth Behind 24-Hour Trading: Crypto Markets Never Sleep

Wall Street's push for extended trading hours overlooks the thriving crypto market, which operates 24/7 and is valued at $4.5 billion.

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation has been diligently working in 2025 to enhance its infrastructure for extended trading hours, with a goal to establish a 24×5 trading schedule. This initiative aims to keep US markets operational from Sunday evening through Friday night, interspersed with short daily maintenance windows.

In parallel, Nasdaq has submitted proposals advocating for near-continuous trading days that last up to 23 hours. Additionally, the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has unveiled plans for a tokenized securities platform, enhancing the landscape of trading.

Interestingly, amid these developments, the cryptocurrency market, valued at an astounding $4.5 billion, continues to operate without ever closing its doors. Unlike traditional stock markets that have specific hours of operation, the crypto market remains active around the clock, providing investors with unprecedented access and opportunities.