As the Nasdaq prepares to support 23-hour daily stock trading beginning early next month, South Korean brokerages are moving to bridge the remaining one-hour gap. The strategy involves utilizing U.S. Alternative Trading Systems (ATS) to create a near-continuous, 24-hour trading environment.
According to the financial investment industry on the 12th, major firms—including Toss Securities, Kiwoom Securities, Meritz Securities, Shinhan Investment Corp, Mirae Asset Securities, and Samsung Securities—are working to extend their trading hourshedule. While some brokerages have already committed to the service, others are still evaluating their operational approach
These firms intend to cover roughly 50 minutes of the one-hour window when the Nasdaq halts trading by utilizing ATS transactions. An ATS functions as a system that facilitates stock trades independently of primary exchanges like the Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Domestic brokerages currently support daytime U.S. stock trading for local expected to improve investor convenience, particularly as it coincides with the regular session of the domestic <a I understand that the introduction of a system for automatic order deferral has not been confirmed," adding, "Some brokerages are reviewing related services in preparation for the possibility of building an order deferral system in the future."
Until now, competition among domestic brokerages regarding overseas stock services has focused on fee structures, favorable exchange rates, and extended hours. Moving forward, the ability to minimize trading gaps is expected to become a key competitive differentiator.
Nevertheless, longer trading hours do not necessarily benefit all investors. During periods of low volume, the spread between buy and sell quotes often widens, making it harder to execute trades at desired prices, and even small volumes can lead to significant price volatility.
An official in the financial investment industry said, “The service competition among brokerages will become more intense with the expansion of U.S. stock trading hours,” adding, “While enhancing trading convenience, how effectively investors manage risks during periods of low liquidity will determine competitiveness.”
