US Equities Trading Sees Strong Growth

The US equities market continues to demonstrate exceptional strength, driven by heightened retail participation and evolving client demand. In a recent interview with Finance Feeds Chief Editor Nikolai Isayev, James Alexander, Group Chief Commercial Officer at 26 Degrees, shared insights into the firm’s experience following the launch of 16-hour trading for US equities earlier this year. The discussion underscores a clear trend: extended trading access is reshaping engagement, increasing volumes, and driving broader global participation.

16-Hour Trading Sparks Significant Volume Growth

Since the launch of the 16-hour trading window on 1 April, 26 Degrees has observed a marked uptick in client activity across its US Equity CFD offering.

“With the launch of 16-hour trading… we have seen a significant increase in US equity volumes,” James said. “Even though we’ve had the US Equity CFD product live via API for seven or eight years, we’ve experienced a near doubling in volumes since the extended hours launched from 1 April to today.”

“Even volume in the regular trading session, which was already offered, has significantly increased,” he said. “It shows more retail participation, more interest, more trading, and more hedging all of which is positive for our clients and for us.”

The launch of 16-hour trading is being recognized internally at 26 Degrees as a major success, both in terms of volume growth and client adoption.

“The 16-hour move has been a massive success,” James said.

The uptick in volumes is a direct reflection of careful planning and a clear understanding of client needs. By expanding trading hours, the firm has provided clients with greater flexibility, aligning US equity access with trading patterns across multiple time zones.

Asia’s Growing Demand for Extended Access

James emphasised that demand is particularly strong across Asia, where time zone differences with US markets make longer trading windows especially valuable. Having recently traveled to Japan and Korea, and now speaking from Hong Kong, he highlighted the intensity of this interest.

“Especially being here in Hong Kong, we hear the demand from Asia,” he noted. “I’ve just come from Japan and Korea myself last week. There is significant demand to push to the full 22, 23, 24 hours as soon as possible.”

Extended trading access allows Asian clients to manage risk in real time, hedge positions more effectively, and respond immediately to US market movements enhancing both trading efficiency and strategy execution.

“The day it’s available from a regulated national exchange in the US, we will be there on day one,” James added.

This demonstrates 26 Degrees’ commitment to delivering market access that meets client demand immediately, reinforcing its position as a responsive and client-focused prime brokerage.

Extended Hours Driving Broader Market Participation

The data also reflects a structural change in trading behaviour. Retail participation is no longer limited to peak US market hours; instead, clients are engaging more consistently throughout the day. This trend contributes not only to higher volumes but also to greater liquidity and market efficiency, benefiting all participants.

“It shows more trading, more hedging, and more engagement across the board,” Alexander said.

By enabling extended access, 26 Degrees allows clients to implement strategies previously constrained by standard market hours, creating opportunities for both hedging and speculative activity.

If you’re interested to discover how 26 Degrees can enhance your Equities product offering, get in touch: