Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. will consult stakeholders on extending stock trading hours to align with major global markets, Securities and Futures Commission CEO Julia Leung said Wednesday. HKEX will issue a discussion paper on the proposal, which includes starting equities trading 30 minutes earlier at 9 a.m. and eliminating the one-hour lunch break beginning at noon. The exchange plans to start with derivatives market hour extensions first, then consult on cash market changes.

Hong Kong is among the few major exchanges retaining a lunch hour, alongside China and Tokyo. Trading schedules have been contentious, with 2012 protests over extended hours. Since 2024, HKEX has kept markets open during extreme weather, replacing typhoon closures.

The exchange is also considering an after-hours session from 8 p.m. to midnight to capture early US activity, while maintaining the 4 p.m. close for clearing and settlement. About 23% of Hong Kong's equity market turnover as of 2025 came through the southbound Stock Connect, allowing mainland investors to trade Hong Kong stocks.