Trading Tips

What Time Does the Futures Market Open?

Find out what time the futures market opens across major exchanges, including key details for traders to plan.

In the world of trading, time is everything. When it comes to futures trading, knowing what time the futures market opens can help you make trades with more confidence and success. For example, if you go to bed early and wake up right before the futures market opens, you can access the overnight trading session, review the market conditions, and plan your trades accordingly. This guide will help you with precisely that by revealing what time the futures market opens, along with other helpful information to enhance your futures trading experience. 

AquaFutures offers funded accounts for futures trading to help traders achieve their objectives. With a funded account, you start with virtual money to trade futures, so you can learn the ropes and build confidence before risking your capital. 

What Time Does the Futures Market Open?

trading chart - What Time Does the Futures Market Open

Futures markets provide nearly continuous trading access during the week, but exact opening and closing times vary by product type and exchange. Below is an in-depth breakdown of trading hours for the main futures categories traded primarily on U.S. exchanges.

1. General Trading Schedule

Futures trading usually starts at 5:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Sundays and runs continuously until 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday. This schedule allows traders worldwide to respond quickly to market developments.

Each day includes a 60-minute break from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT for marking positions to market (MTM). This process adjusts profit and loss for open contracts and resets margin requirements.

2. CFE (Chicago Board of Trade) Products

CFE, operated by Cboe, offers volatility and corporate bond futures, such as:

  • Cboe Volatility Index futures (/VX)
  • Mini-VIX futures (/VXM)

The VIX Index measures expected S&P 500 volatility over the next 30 days.

Trading Hours

  • Sunday 5:00 p.m. to Friday 4:00 p.m. CT
  • Daily 60-minute break: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

3. Equity and Interest Rate Futures

Equity futures like E-mini S&P 500 (/ES) and micro E-mini (/MES) track major indices. Interest rate futures (e.g., 10-year Treasury Note futures /ZN) focus on U.S. debt instruments. Both trade on the CME.

Trading Hours

  • Sunday 5:00 p.m. to Friday 4:00 p.m. CT
  • Daily break: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

4. Cryptocurrency and Forex Futures

CME offers futures on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (/BTC) and Ether (/ETH), including micro contracts. Overnight margin for Bitcoin futures on some platforms is 1.5 times the CME's standard. Currency futures cover major pairs like:

  • Australian Dollar (/6A)
  • British Pound (/6B)
  • Canadian Dollar (/6C)
  • Euro (/6E)
  • Japanese Yen (/6J)
  • Mexican Peso (/6M)

Most have corresponding micro contracts except the Yen and Peso.

Trading Hours

  • Sunday 5:00 p.m. to Friday 4:00 p.m. CT
  • Daily break: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

5. Metals and Energy Futures

Metals futures include:

  • Gold (/GC), Micro Gold (/MGC)
  • Silver (/SI), Micro Silver (/SIL)
  • Copper (/HG), Micro Copper (/MHG)

Energy futures cover

  • Crude Oil (/CL), E-mini Crude Oil (/QM), Micro WTI (/MCL)
  • Natural Gas (/NG), E-mini Natural Gas (/QG), Micro Henry Hub (/MNG)
  • RBOB Gasoline (/RB), Heating Oil (/HO)

Trading Hours

  • Sunday 5:00 p.m. to Friday 4:00 p.m. CT
  • Daily break: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT

6. Agricultural Futures

These include contracts for:

  • Corn (/ZC), Mini Corn (/XC)
  • Soybeans (/ZS), Mini Soybean (/XK)
  • Wheat (/ZW), Mini Wheat (/XW)

They are traded in split sessions:

  • Evening session Sunday 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 a.m. CT (Daily)
  • Break 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. CT
  • Day session 8:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. CT (Monday–Friday)

7. Livestock Futures

Livestock futures like Lean Hogs (/HE) and Live Cattle (/LE) trade during regular business hours.

Trading Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. CT

Additional Considerations

Not all Futures Contracts Adhere to These Hours

Some commodities (especially those traded on non-U.S. or specialty exchanges) may have modified hours or splits between electronic and open outcry sessions.

Holiday Schedules

On U.S. market holidays, futures trading hours are sometimes abbreviated and announced in advance by the CME and other exchanges.

Global Access

Because futures can be traded worldwide, these near-24/5 windows allow for a response to international events as they happen.

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Global Futures Exchanges and Trading Hours

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The world of futures trading spans multiple time zones, with numerous significant exchanges operating internationally. Understanding the distinct trading hours of these exchanges is essential for market participants to time their trades effectively.

1. Canadian Futures Exchange (Montreal Exchange TMX) 

The Montreal Exchange, part of the TMX Group, is Canada's premier derivatives venue, hosting a variety of futures on interest rates, equity indices, and individual stocks. Operating on Eastern Time (ET), the TMX features both regular and extended trading hours.  

For example:  

  • S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures trade from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET during regular hours, with extended sessions running overnight from 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM ET.  
  • Interest Rate Futures like the 3-Month Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance follow regular hours from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET.  
  • The 10-Year Government Bond Futures operate from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET with an overnight session between 8:00 PM and 5:30 AM ET.  

The exchange observes Canadian public holidays, which can affect trading availability. These extended hours facilitate international participation, especially during overnight sessions.  

2. European Futures Market Hours  

Eurex in Frankfurt is a key European derivatives exchange, trading a broad spectrum of products such as futures on major European indices like the DAX and EURO STOXX 50. Its trading window typically runs from 8:10 AM to 10:00 PM Central European Time (CET).  

In London, ICE Futures Europe specializes in futures for energy and soft commodities. Its standard trading hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). These timings provide significant overlap with both Asian and American markets, supporting global liquidity.  

3. Asian Futures Market Hours  

Asia hosts several important futures markets spread across Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong, each with distinct trading schedules:  

Singapore Exchange (SGX)

Trades generally occur from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Singapore Time (SGT).  

Japan Exchange Group (JPX),

The Tokyo and Osaka Exchanges run a day session from 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM Japan Standard Time (JST) and a night session from 4:30 PM to 5:30 AM JST.  

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) 

Operates with three sessions: a morning session from 9:15 AM to 12:00 PM Hong Kong Time (HKT), an afternoon session from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM HKT, and extended after-hours trading until 3:00 AM HKT.  

These staggered hours create continuous trading possibilities across Asia, advantageous for global investors seeking around-the-clock access.  

4. Indian Futures Exchanges Trading Hours  

India's commodity futures trading is concentrated mainly in two exchanges: the Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX) and the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX).  

MCX trading runs long sessions from approximately 9:00 AM to 11:55 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). NCDEX typically operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM IST.  

Such extended hours cater to both domestic and international traders interested in metals, energy, and agricultural products.  

5. Australian Futures Exchanges Open Hours (ASX)  

The Australian Securities Exchange is the principal marketplace for futures in Australia, with prominent contracts like the S&P/ASX 200 Index futures. Trading occurs in two key blocks: from 5:10 PM to 7:00 AM and then from 9:50 AM to 4:30 PM Australian Eastern Standard or Daylight Time (AEST/AEDT). These hours correspond to early morning to late afternoon in Central Time (CT), aligning with the global trading cycle.  

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Join thousands of traders who trust AquaFutures for transparent rules, fast support, and real capital. Ready to take the next step in your trading journey? Explore our account options and get funded today. Unlock up to 50% off your first funded account—plus surprise BOGO deals and bonuses updated weekly. 

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Time Zone Impact and Conversion

Trading time - What Time Does the Futures Market Open

Time zones play an essential role in futures trading. Futures markets operate globally, and futures traders must interpret trading hours based on their own local time. This helps them know when markets are active and how different trading sessions overlap to optimize their trading strategy. 

Central Time (CT) as a Reference Point 

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the largest futures exchange, is located in Chicago and uses Central Time (CT) as its base time zone. Consequently, many futures trading schedules and platforms display market hours using CT as a standard reference. This standardization helps traders worldwide coordinate their activities by converting CT to their respective local times. 

Converting Market Hours to Local Time 

To trade futures effectively, knowing market hours in your time zone is essential. Some interactive tools can automatically convert trading hours from CT to your time zone. However, traders must also account for Daylight Saving Time changes, which can alter conversion results. Manual calculations may sometimes be necessary, especially when trading markets in different regions with unique daylight saving rules. 

Asian and European Market Trading Hours 

Futures trading is not limited to U.S. markets. Traders interested in global futures must understand the opening and closing times of Asian and European exchanges. For example, a New York trader may want to access European index futures from Eurex, while a trader on the U.S. West Coast might follow Asian equity index futures on exchanges like SGX or JPX. Recognizing the time differences and overlaps between these regions and U.S. trading hours enables precise timing for entering or exiting trades, as well as effective risk management. 

Global Time Zones and Around-the-Clock Trading 

Futures markets operate nearly 24 hours a day from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon Central Time, punctuated by daily maintenance breaks. This nonstop schedule spans global markets, creating three primary trading sessions: Asian, European, and North American. These sessions overlap at times, increasing liquidity and volatility, which can offer strategic opportunities for traders. 

The Impact of Daylight Saving Time 

Daylight Saving Time causes shifts in time differences between regions. Since not all countries observe DST simultaneously or at all, market open and close times may shift by an hour relative to others during these transitions. Traders must stay aware of DST schedules in each relevant market to maintain accurate time conversions.

Tools to Help You Stay Informed on Futures Trading Hours

woman using a laptop - What Time Does the Futures Market Open

Staying updated on futures trading hours is crucial for traders aiming to optimize their market participation and manage risk effectively. Several reliable tools can assist you in keeping track of these hours and any changes due to holidays or special events.

Exchange Websites

When it comes to trading futures, the official websites of major exchanges like CME Group, ICE, and Eurex are the best sources for accurate information on futures trading hours. These websites provide detailed trading schedules, including regular hours, overnight sessions, and holiday closures. Regularly consulting these sites ensures you have the latest and most accurate information directly from the market operators. 

Trading Platforms

Most modern futures trading platforms include built-in features that show market open and close times. Many also offer customizable alerts to notify you of upcoming market openings, closings, or changes in trading hours. Utilizing these platforms can help you stay organized and receive timely reminders without needing to check schedules manually. 

Economic Calendars

Economic calendars from trusted sources like ForexFactory, Investing.com, and Bloomberg list crucial economic data releases and events that can influence futures markets. These calendars provide not only the timing of events but also forecast the potential market impact, helping traders anticipate volatility that might affect trading windows. 

News Services

Real-time news providers such as Bloomberg and Reuters offer continuous updates on market-moving news. These sources can alert you to unexpected events or announcements that may affect futures trading hours or cause sudden volatility, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. 

Futures traders seeking capital or wishing to mitigate personal financial risk can turn to firms like AquaFutures for funded futures accounts. This prop trading firm supports traders by providing the necessary capital to trade futures without risking their own money, making it easier to access the futures markets with confidence. 

Let’s Talk About AquaFutures

AquaFutures provides traders with fast and affordable access to funded futures accounts, featuring instant options, straightforward rules, and genuine payouts. Whether you're looking to skip evaluations or grow through performance-based scaling, our programs are designed to reward consistency without unnecessary restrictions. 

‍Join thousands of traders who trust AquaFutures for transparent rules, fast support, and real capital. Ready to take the next step in your trading journey? Explore our account options and get funded today. Unlock up to 50% off your first funded account—plus surprise BOGO deals and bonuses updated weekly. 

Unlock up to 50% off Your First Funded Account for Futures Trading.

man smiling - What Time Does the Futures Market Open

AquaFutures provides traders with fast and affordable access to funded futures accounts, featuring instant options, straightforward rules, and genuine payouts. Whether you're looking to skip evaluations or grow through performance-based scaling, our programs are designed to reward consistency without unnecessary restrictions. 

‍Join thousands of traders who trust AquaFutures for transparent rules, fast support, and real capital. Ready to take the next step in your trading journey? Explore our account options and get funded today. Unlock up to 50% off your first funded account—plus surprise BOGO deals and bonuses updated weekly. 

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