The push for round-the-clock trading in traditional derivatives markets is gathering pace, with major U.S. exchanges, including the NYSE, launching consultations on the feasibility of 24/7 operations. But while the idea is gaining momentum, proprietary trading firms remain sharply divided on its merits.
According to Acuiti’s “Proprietary Trading Management Insight Report” for the Q3 2025, the prop trading community is split nearly down the middle on whether 24/7 trading would benefit the market. Support is notably stronger in the U.S. than in Europe, where skepticism runs deeper.
“Ultralow latency firms were more likely to support 24/7 trading than firms that were predominantly point and click or predominantly algo, but not ultra-low latency,” the report reads.
Traders seem to be backing 24/7 derivatives trading for one key reason: Speed. The ability to respond instantly to breaking news is driving support across the industry, with many firms also eyeing the potential for higher revenues and stronger margins.
Continuous Market Coverage Is Already a Reality
Many firms already operate on a five-day, 24-hour model, leveraging global offices in a follow-the-sun approach. One example is Cboe Silexx, a multi-asset trading platform widely used by institutional and proprietary desks, which announced in April that it would eliminate its nightly restart process. These restarts had previously led to short downtimes, often disrupting trading for firms operating in non-U.S. time zones or executing overnight strategies.
For these players, extending trading to weekends would be a natural evolution. Still, despite enthusiasm from some quarters, concerns around operational strain are widespread.
As the survey shows, firms agree that enabling continuous trading would require not just active trading desks but also round-the-clock support from funding, clearing and back-office teams. While most expect some level of investment, only a minority foresee a doubling of costs. Nearly half anticipate minimal financial impact, while a third predict more substantial outlays.
Despite the split in sentiment, a majority of firms believe 24/7 trading is inevitable. Just over a quarter expect it to materialize within three years, though many forecast a longer timeline.
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