The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) of Taiwan has indicated that extending the trading hours of the stock market is not currently a priority, and there is no set timeline for implementing such a change. According to FSC Chairman Peng Jin-lung, any considerations to prolong trading beyond the present hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. would necessitate a comprehensive consensus from both the public and the industry before any action is taken.
This stance comes in response to discussions initiated by the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), which is evaluating the possibility of extending trading hours until 3:30 p.m. to better synchronize with global markets. The exchange posits that longer trading hours could potentially boost market activity. However, they are still in the process of consulting with brokerage firms to gather insights and feedback.
While the plans for extended trading remain under discussion, the Taiwan Stock Exchange has announced some imminent changes. Starting at the end of this year, odd-lot trading will commence at 9:00 a.m., a shift from the current start time of 9:10 a.m. Furthermore, in an effort to enhance trading efficiency and liquidity, the TWSE plans to shorten the order matching interval for odd-lot trades from five seconds to one second starting next year.
These developments underscore the TWSE’s commitment to improving market operations, even as broader changes to trading hours remain in the exploratory phase. The exchange continues to explore ways to align with international practices while considering the unique dynamics and needs of the local market.