Extended Trading Hours Far Beyond Logic?

- Aparajita Gupta

With SEBI deferring the October 1 deadline for extension of trading hours for equity derivatives, it gives rise to the question whether it is a dying need and, is the market ready to embrace the proposition?

After speaking to several broking houses on the subject, it was evident that none of them are ready for long hours yet. Reasons are plenty.

“What was the rationale behind extending trading hours? We are not complaining against the move but we do not see any cost-benefit analysis. Apart from automated traders, who will stay awake till midnight for trading?” said Alok Churiwala, MD, Churiwala Securities.

In May this year, SEBI allowed stock exchanges to extend their trading up to 15 hours (between 9 am and 11.55 pm) in the equity derivative segment, to remain at par with international markets. “Trading till midnight means doubling of manpower. But, we do not see income doubling if trading hours are extended,” opined Churiwala.