Hong Kong’s financial sector is facing renewed calls to accelerate a review of its current stock market trading hours. This pressure follows the Korea Exchange’s recent decision to extend its daily trading session by four hours, adding an after-market period from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to its existing 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule.

Industry observers suggest that Hong Kong must adapt to remain competitive as global exchanges move toward more flexible schedules. The Korea Exchange has indicated that this extension is part of a larger ambition to eventually offer near 24-hour trading, a goal that has also been explored by major international players like the Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange. Proponents of the shift argue that longer hours are necessary to align with global market demands and technological capabilities, while critics or cautious market participants often point to the potential for increased operational costs and the impact on market liquidity during extended periods.