StarTrader Launches 24/5 US Equity Trading, Signals Intensifying Competition
Event summary
- StarTrader introduced 24/5 trading on 20 of the most actively traded US stocks, effective March 27, 2026.
- The new instruments are identified by a '.24H' suffix and listed under a dedicated US.24H security group.
- StarTrader is offering 5:1 leverage on 24/5 US stocks, with up to 33:1 leverage available for standard US stock products.
- The company is regulated in five jurisdictions: ASIC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, and CMA.
The big picture
StarTrader's move reflects a broader trend towards extended-hours trading in US equities, driven by both investor demand and the emergence of crypto-adjacent platforms offering tokenized stocks. By offering 24/5 trading, StarTrader is attempting to differentiate itself in a competitive landscape and capture a segment of clients seeking greater flexibility, but the lower leverage compared to standard products suggests a cautious approach to risk management. The company's regulated status provides a degree of credibility in a space increasingly populated by less-established players.
What we're watching
- Competitive Response
- Other brokers will likely accelerate their own 24/5 trading offerings to avoid losing market share, potentially triggering a price war or a race to offer the most comprehensive extended-hours access.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- The increased leverage offered on 24/5 trading instruments may attract heightened regulatory scrutiny, particularly given the potential for increased volatility during off-hours trading.
- Liquidity Dynamics
- The success of StarTrader's offering hinges on maintaining sufficient liquidity during off-peak hours; a failure to do so could damage investor confidence and limit the product's appeal.
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