HKEX considers trading hour extensions as NGX seeks deeper ties

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is preparing to release a discussion paper regarding the potential extension of stock market trading hours. This move could lead to the first change in the city’s market opening times in 14 years. While the paper will outline the advantages and disadvantages of longer hours to facilitate public discussion, it will not yet include concrete proposals for new times. The current trading schedule runs from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays with a one-hour lunch break.

Separately, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has called for enhanced institutional cooperation with HKEX to strengthen capital market links between Africa and Asia. Following a meeting in Hong Kong, NGX Group Chairman Dr. Umaru Kwairanga proposed a formal cooperation framework. This potential partnership would include technical working groups, knowledge-sharing programs, and collaboration on areas such as cross-border listings, exchange technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable finance.