The Tokyo Stock Exchange will extend its trading hours by 30 minutes from next month, hoping to encourage more timely release of information by listed companies.
The TSE will push back the market’s closing time to 3:30 p.m. from November 5.
Stock brokerages are using online videos and promotions at outlets to tell customers the move may bring investment opportunities.
Yamagata Hikari, head of online trading at IwaiCosmo Securities, said: Extending the trading time will increase opportunities for investors so they need to be aware of the change from the current market close at 3 p.m. The time shift will also bring benefits to brokerages as it adds to the opportunities for increased business.
The TSE hopes the time extension will prompt listed firms to review their practice of releasing information after the market has closed.
Currently, nearly 80 percent of firms announce earnings and other important information after 3 p.m. They believe this reduces trading volatility in their shares.
However, the TSE wants companies to move up the timing of such releases based on the principle that key information should be disclosed promptly to investors.