#London #United Kingdom #Equiduct #US Stocks #Retail Brokers

Equiduct Launches US Stocks Trading Segment

As markets continue to evolve, Equiduct, recognized as Europe’s prominent pan-European exchange focused on retail investors, is taking a giant leap by unveiling a dedicated segment for trading US stocks. This initiative is not merely a service addition; it is a historic first — allowing direct access to US equities in US dollars for European retail brokers, commencing on June 1, 2026.

Extended Trading Hours

The newly introduced US segment will operate on an uninterrupted schedule from 1000 CET to 2200 CET, effectively creating overlaps between European and US market hours and allowing European brokers the flexibility to engage with US stocks seamlessly. Order entry begins as early as 0700 CET. This comprehensive trading window assures continuous trading opportunities without the gaps typical of traditional trading setups.

A Diverse Instruments Universe

Initially, this trading segment will feature about 700 instruments, covering all S&P 500 constituents and an additional 200 widely traded US securities that have shown significant retail interest and activity. In future phases, the range will extend to include constituents from the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indices, ensuring a broad spectrum of trading options for retail investors.

No More Hidden Costs

What sets Equiduct apart is its commission-free trading, extending existing practices from its European equities offering to US stocks. The model eliminates previous intermediary arrangements that posed high costs — aggregating trading and settlement fees that could reach up to EUR 1.17 per trade. New pricing features ensure a significant reduction, bringing potential post-trade costs to as low as EUR 0.12 for high-volume brokerage activities. By executing up to 8,000 trades per day, brokers can expect to save over EUR 1.7 million annually.

Interoperable Clearing Process

Equiduct ensures a smooth trading process by appointing SIX x-clear AG and Cboe Clear Europe N.V. as interoperable central counterparties for the US segment. This structure allows for hassle-free clearing across both clearing agents with minimal disruption to existing workflows for European equities. The collaboration includes a second end-of-day processing cycle at 2205 CET, thereby extending operational capabilities considerably.

Emphasizing Accessibility

José Manuel Ortiz‑Repiso, Head of Clearing at SIX, comments how this initiative reinforces the role of SIX x-clear as a leading European central counterparty, facilitating seamless cross-border access to US equities. Similarly, Vikesh Patel, Global Head of Clearing and President at Cboe Clear Europe, underlines the importance of promoting innovative services that enhance market participation and reduce costs significantly.

A Structural Shift in Market Dynamics

Wail Azizi, Equiduct's Chief Strategy Officer, stresses that this launch signifies a monumental shift in access economics for European retail brokers. The previous channels, characterized by fragmented and uncleared off-exchange transactions, are replaced with a structured, straightforward approach to execute trades efficiently on-exchange. The expected outcome is to translate into tangible cost efficiency and transparency, elevating service offerings from traditional models in the region.

Timeline for Implementation

• - UAT Environmental Availability: Starting from May 1, 2026
• - Production Launch: June 1, 2026

In conclusion, Equiduct is set to redefine equity trading norms in Europe by providing a new pathway for engaging with US stocks. This pivotal launch not only allows European retail brokers to access leading US equities efficiently but also enhances the trading landscape's overall competitiveness and transparency, making it a significant turning point for the finance sector.

About Equiduct:
Equiduct stands as a market leader in Europe’s retail-focused exchanges, earning a reputation for excellence under the regulations of MiFID II. In recent years, the exchange has recorded significant broker participation and trade volumes, emphasizing its rapid growth and the importance of its offering to retail investors.