MEXC, a digital asset trading platform known for its zero-fee model, has released data from the July-August 2026 earnings season that underscores a structural shift in how retail investors access U.S. equities. The platform reported that 49.20% of tokenized stock trading volume occurred during pre-market, after-hours, and overnight sessions, surpassing the 40.26% recorded during regular trading hours.
This trend reflects a growing demand for flexibility in a market that increasingly operates around the clock. The data also shows that 89.46% of tokenized stock trading volume still took place on U.S. trading days, but activity is clearly extending beyond the traditional 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. window. Pre-market and overnight sessions accounted for 19.75% and 20.73% of total volume, respectively, making them the two most active periods outside regular hours.
User Growth and Participation
The expansion in trading hours has coincided with a surge in participation. The number of users trading RealStocks increased by 608% compared with May and June, while first-time traders rose by 561%. By the end of August, the number of users holding positions had grown 105.2% from the end of June.
This growth is not limited to a single asset class. MEXC observed stronger cross-product engagement, with semiconductors and memory stocks ranking first by trading volume across both RealStocks and tokenized stocks. In Stock Futures, the memory sector accounted for more than 50% of trading volume.
Indices and ETFs Outperform
Within RealStocks, trading volume in stock indices and ETFs increased 333.7% compared with May and June, significantly outpacing the 94.5% growth in individual stocks. Indices and ETFs also grew from approximately 12.6% to 24.3% of total RealStocks trading volume, indicating a shift toward diversified exposure.
NVIDIA as a Case Study
NVIDIA serves as a prime example of this cross-product activity. During July and August, the number of RealStocks users trading NVIDIA increased 777.8%, while users trading the tokenized stocks NVDAON and NVDAX increased 138.4% and 228.8%, respectively. Following NVIDIA's earnings release after the U.S. market closed on August 26, daily trading volume in NVIDIA tokenized stocks and NVIDIA Stock Futures increased 59% and 443%, respectively, compared with the previous day. The three highest-volume days for NVIDIA tokenized stocks in August also fell between August 26 and 28, around the earnings release.
Cost Reduction and Accessibility
On the cost side, MEXC continues to offer 0-fee trading for eligible Stock and Stock Index Futures. During July and August, the amount of trading fees saved by users through 0-fee trading increased 428% compared with May and June. This reduction in costs, combined with longer trading hours and a broader range of tools, is lowering barriers to global equity market participation.
Vugar Usi, CEO of MEXC, commented: "Markets are becoming increasingly 24/7, while traditional trading boundaries remain. Nearly half of tokenized stock trading volume now takes place outside regular trading hours, reflecting growing demand for more flexible market access. MEXC aims to further break down the barriers of time, tools, and cost, giving users greater freedom to participate in global markets."
The data highlights a clear trend: retail investors are increasingly seeking access to U.S. equities beyond traditional market hours, and platforms like MEXC are responding by offering tokenized products and zero-fee structures. As the convergence of crypto and traditional finance continues, the ability to trade around the clock is becoming a key differentiator for platforms.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
