Sterling Trading Tech has introduced overnight global trading for most Wall Street-listed shares, allowing retail and institutional clients to access US stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

The move, enabled through Sterling’s Order Management System (OMS) and Blue Ocean ATS, significantly broadens market access for traders worldwide, including those in regions where US market hours previously posed a barrier.

Sterling Trading Tech Debuts 24/5 US Shares Trading

The expansion enables more retail traders to participate in the US equity markets outside of regular trading hours, capitalizing on news and events as they unfold in real-time. Sterling’s integration with Blue Ocean ATS, a FINRA-registered alternative trading system, lets clients trade US-listed stocks between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Sunday through Thursday.

This overnight session bridges the gap between the close of the US markets and their reopening, offering an “exchange-like” experience with electronic order delivery and live data feeds.

This is especially important not only for domestic traders but also for international ones, where time zone differences can make it difficult to participate in Wall Street sessions. A prime example is the move by Japan’s Rakuten Securities, which invested in 24X to offer 24-hour U.S. stock trading.

“We are committed to providing our clients with global access to US equities, now extending into overnight hours,” Jen Nayar, President & CEO of Sterling Trading Tech, commented. “These enhancements enable our clients to confidently navigate today’s volatile and complex global markets.”

The move comes shortly after the company hired former CME executive Julie Armstrong to lead its growth strategy. At the same time, the trading solutions provider is expanding its Risk & Margin service to include fixed income instruments.

New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Shares

The latest product offering concerns trading in U.S. National Market System (NMS) equities. These refer to stocks listed on major American exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

The NMS is a regulatory framework designed to ensure transparency, fair pricing, and efficient trade execution across all US equity markets. It consolidates price quotations and trade reporting, helping create a level playing field for all participants.

Through Sterling OMS, clients can now not only place trades overnight but also benefit from direct routing to Blue Ocean ATS and real-time market data. The company has also enhanced its API offerings, allowing for automated margin rate adjustments to reflect the risks associated with overnight trading.

Sterling’s broader technology suite supports trading across multiple asset classes, including international equities, options, futures, fixed income, mutual funds, foreign exchange, and cryptocurrencies. The firm serves over 100 clients in more than 20 countries, including brokers, clearing firms, and proprietary trading groups.

Traders Don’t Want Eight-Hour Sessions

International demand for greater access to U.S. equities is prompting exchanges and brokers to expand trading beyond traditional Wall Street hours. Pressure has intensified amid data showing that companies like Tesla derive up to 90% of their trading gains outside regular market sessions.

Charles Schwab has responded by offering 24-hour trading on select instruments for retail clients, while Nasdaq is preparing to extend its operations to a full 24-hour cycle, moving beyond its current 8-hour window.

The New York Stock Exchange is also pursuing longer trading hours, with plans announced in October 2024 to introduce a 22-hour session.

Investors in Asia have been particularly vocal, noting the challenges of participating in U.S. markets during nighttime in their regions. A shift toward continuous trading could ease such burdens, though concerns around liquidity during off-peak hours persist.