Should bourses extend trading hours? Twitterati backs the idea

NEW DELHI: People on Twitter were having a field day on Thursday after reports emerged that the stock exchanges in the country were considering extending daily trading hours till 7.30 pm.

While the majority of Twitteratis hailed the move, saying it would benefit those who can't participate in trading during their working hours, the news did not go down well with a section of the people.

In favour

There are many who can't give time to stocks during their working hours. Such people can participate after working hours.

— Dr. Sridhar Rao (@microrao) August 31, 2017

More working professionals can join in stock markets. It will be a good initiative.

— TARUN KANTA BEHERA (@tarundigital) August 31, 2017

Against it

Lol, it would impact liquidity. Its a bad idea

— Rajesh Kumar Sahoo (@rksahoo21) August 31, 2017

Pathetic

— JAYA (@JAYAANANDJEE) August 31, 2017

what an idiotic thought

— rrajesh (@rrajeshagarwal) August 31, 2017

In a poll conducted by ETMarkets.com on Twitter, out of 1,884 respondents, 49 per cent voted in favour of the decision, while 44 per cent voted for NO, with 7 per cent people remaining indecisive.

Yet another user tweeted

Govt may get more money, people will suffer with extra stress.

— Nagi Reddy Avula (@anr1919anr) August 31, 2017

There was yet another section of users who seemed clueless about the move questioning the rationale and feasibility of the changes.

Tweet:

What is the logic behind this? What problem will be solved by extended hours?

— Wealthpedia (@wealthpedia_in) August 31, 2017

Earlier on Thursday, in an exclusive newsbreak, ET NOW reported that top Indian stock exchanges were considering a plan to extend stock trading hours by two to four hours. Quoting sources, the business news channel said the stock exchanges were weighing the option of extending trading hours till 5.30 pm or 7.30 pm. Markets regulator Sebi said to be on board on the idea.

Commenting on the move, Sanjeev Jain, Associate Vice President - Equity Research, Ashika Stock Broking said, “I believe that extension of trading hour may increase the volume but simultaneously exchanges/brokers need to do a cost benefit analysis before taking any decision related to the extension of timing.”

“Any decision has to be taken with a cost benefit analysis and market development perspective. At present, we are unable to see any significant benefit of longer trading hours that outweigh the associated costs, both human as well as systemic. However, it is regulatory prerogative to decide on the length of market hours. We hope that the regulator comes out with a discussion paper so that feedback can be taken from all the stakeholders,” said Kamlesh Shroff, spokesperson for BSE Brokers Forum told ETMarkets.com.