Hong Kong stock exchange to discuss extended stock trading hours

Hong Kong's stock exchange, Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKEX), plans to consult stakeholders on extending its trading hours. The move aims to align the bourse with major global markets. Currently, HKEX operates with a 30-minute lunch break starting at 12 pm. One proposed option is to start equities trading 30 minutes earlier at 9 am and eliminate the lunch break altogether.

The proposal came after HKEX had previously extended trading hours in its derivatives market, where after-hours trading now extends until 3 am. HKEX CEO Julia Leung confirmed that the exchange will release a paper on the potential extension and its impact on stakeholders. The focus will initially be on the derivatives market, followed by consultations regarding the cash market extension.

This decision comes as HKEX has been exploring ways to adapt to the changing market dynamics. Since 2024, the exchange has kept its markets open during extreme weather events, replacing its previous practice of closures during typhoons. HKEX is also considering an after-hours session, potentially running between 8 pm and 12 am, to catch early US market activity. However, the market will remain closed at 4 pm to ensure proper clearing and settlement processes.

The move to extend trading hours is also driven by the growing importance of the southbound Stock Connect program, which facilitates trades between mainland China and Hong Kong. In 2025, about 23% of Hong Kong's equity market turnover was generated through this program.