As a result of this normalized 24/7 liquidity, the pressure is mounting for traditional equities markets to follow suit, or risk losing relevance. While volumes are still smaller than regular market hours, liquidity is increasing, and participation is broadening. Real-world hurdlesCurrently, all major equities exchanges worldwide operate within defined daytime market hours – a tradition resistant to change despite advancements in technology. Charting the path forwardAt present, a full shift to 24/7 equities trading remains uncertain. Just as shorter settlement cycles have freed up capital more quickly, longer trading hours could bring new liquidity and new participants into equities.