May 4, 2021 - Economy

New York Stock Exchange to loosen trading floor restrictions

Photo of a trader holding headphones over their head and standing outside the New York Stock Exchange

A trader outside the New York Stock Exchange. Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

The New York Stock Exchange says its iconic trading floor can get more crowded starting next week — the latest reopening sign in the country's financial center.

Driving the news: Firms can increase how many traders they have on the floor, if all of their staff have been vaccinated. They will be exempt from certain COVID protocols, like random testing.

  • The traders will have to submit proof of vaccination (a photo from the state's digital "Excelsior Pass" app or a vaccination card screenshot), per an internal memo obtained by Axios. The memo was first reported by Bloomberg.

The big picture: It comes as New York seeks to fully reopen and firms are sketching out back-to-office plans.

  • Goldman Sachs will ask workers to return next month, the New York Times reported today.
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