Why 24/7 Trading Works for Crypto but Not Everything Else

The U. S. watchdog for derivatives markets recently pointed out that round-the-clock trading fits blockchain assets well, but may not suit older, slower industries. In a letter sent to businesses it regulates, the agency explained that always-on markets make sense for digital tokens and crypto contracts because they rely on fast technology like blockchain and smartphones. But for things like corn futures or pork belly trades—markets tied to real farms and specific regions—switching to nonstop hours could backfire.What worries the regulator most is that overnight hours often mean less oversight, wider price gaps, and more chance for sneaky moves that hurt regular traders. The agency wants firms to add extra checks if they stretch trading into the wee hours. Yet crypto platforms are pushing forward anyway, rolling out new tools like never-ending futures contracts. One major exchange boasted it now runs equities, bets on events, and crypto trades all day, every day, thanks to fresh approvals. Behind the scenes, regulators are torn. They cheer innovation in crypto but fret that rushing into 24/7 hours could backfire in markets built on decades of tradition. The split shows how new digital finance is racing ahead while older systems lag behind.