The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a proposal by NYSE Arca, Inc. to extend its trading hours. The extended trading will now allow activity from 1:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays, barring differences on Fridays. This extension aims to foster competition by providing an additional trading venue during extended hours and includes enhanced customer disclosures to inform investors of the risks associated with trading during these hours. Also, the plan ensures that the necessary data mechanisms are in place before this extended trading can commence.
Simple Explanation
(The SEC is letting a stock exchange, NYSE Arca, open for trading much longer than usual, almost all day long, but not on weekends. They will also tell people about the risks of trading during these hours, so everyone knows what might happen with their money.)