The stock market is going 24 hours, 7 days a week

Core Insights - The stock market is transitioning from traditional trading hours to a 24/7 model, driven by the rise of retail investors and the influence of cryptocurrency trading [2][3][4] Group 1: Market Structure Changes - Major U.S. exchanges like NYSE and Nasdaq are planning to extend trading hours to 22 and 24 hours respectively, reflecting a significant shift in market structure [3] - Retail investor participation now accounts for at least 20% of daily U.S. trading volume, indicating a growing influence of individual traders on market dynamics [3] Group 2: Impact of Retail Trading - The move towards continuous trading raises concerns about price volatility and market manipulation, questioning whether it will benefit everyday investors or increase their risks [4] - Brokerages such as Robinhood and Charles Schwab are already utilizing alternative trading systems to facilitate this shift, indicating a broader industry trend [4] Group 3: Behavioral Trends - The behavior of retail traders is evolving, with individuals increasingly treating financial markets as betting opportunities, influenced by real-time news and social media [5][6] - Blue Ocean Technologies reported a significant increase in overnight trading volume, highlighting the growing trend of retail investors engaging in trading based on immediate market events [6] Group 4: Comparison with Other Markets - The traditional trading day is becoming outdated as other markets like cryptocurrency and foreign exchange operate continuously, reflecting a broader demand for 24/7 trading [6][7] - Platforms like Polymarket demonstrate a strong appetite for turning various events into financial positions, suggesting a cultural shift in how people engage with financial markets [5][7]