London Stock Exchange Group is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching 24-hour trading as it seeks to modernise its operations and attract a new generation of smartphone-wielding investors who trade outside traditional market hours.

The group, which owns the flagship London stock market, is examining the practicalities of extending its trading window beyond the current 8am to 4pm schedule, according to people familiar with the situation cited by the Financial Times. This includes assessing the technology requirements and regulatory implications of such a significant change.

"LSEG is absolutely looking at it, whether it means 24-hour trading or extended trading," one person said, adding that the exchange group was "having important commercial, policy and regulatory discussions" about the "ongoing topic".

The exploration forms part of broader discussions at LSEG about potential new products and services as exchanges worldwide race to keep pace with changing investor behaviour. Traditional bourses are increasingly under pressure from the 24-hour nature of cryptocurrency markets and the growing popularity of after-hours trading amongst younger retail investors using platforms like Robinhood.

Chief executive officer David Schwimmer has made no secret of his desire to boost the London market's appeal, particularly as Britain's stock market faces declining trading volumes and a shortage of new listings. Recent government tax changes have also weighed on companies' performance, with UK-listed firms issuing 59 profit warnings during the second quarter of 2025 - a 20 per cent rise compared to the same period last year, according to EY figures released on Monday.

The move would mirror developments in the United States, where major exchanges including the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and Cboe Global Markets have all applied to the Securities and Exchange Commission in recent months to extend their trading hours. The NYSE has specifically requested permission to extend its trading window beyond its traditional 9:30am to 4pm schedule.

Time zones present particular opportunities for London, as the US overnight period aligns well with Asian daytime hours, where countries including South Korea, Japan and China have established communities of active individual traders.

However, any extension of trading hours is likely to face resistance from traditional fund managers who rely on closing prices to value their funds. Round-the-clock trading would complicate this process and potentially require continuous market monitoring.

LSEG has transformed itself into a data and technology giant following its $27bn (£21bn) takeover of Refinitiv, with the stock exchange now accounting for just 2.7 per cent of the group's first-quarter revenues. The group declined to comment on the trading hour extension plans.

The Federation of European Securities Exchanges noted in May that whilst longer trading windows may benefit retail trading, "it remains to be seen whether such models are sustainable or beneficial in the long term".

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