Futures Trading Hours
Complete guide to when futures markets trade - understand sessions, best times to trade, and how to navigate nearly 24-hour markets
Futures Trading Hours Overview
Futures markets trade nearly 24 hours a day, 5 days a week—a major advantage over stocks that only trade during regular market hours. This extended access lets traders react to overnight news, global events, and economic data releases.
CME Group equity index futures (ES, NQ, YM, RTY) open Sunday evening and trade continuously through Friday afternoon, with only a brief daily maintenance break. Understanding these sessions is crucial for choosing when to trade.
Futures Trading Sessions (All Times Eastern)
| Session | Hours (ET) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Globex Open | 6:00 PM Sunday | Week begins, potential gaps |
| Asian Session | 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Lower volume, ranges |
| European Session | 2:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Volume picks up, trends form |
| RTH Open | 9:30 AM | High volatility, best liquidity |
| Regular Trading Hours | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Peak volume and liquidity |
| Post-Market | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Reduced volume |
| Daily Break | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Market closed (maintenance) |
| Week Close | 5:00 PM Friday | Closed until Sunday 6 PM |
Trading Hours by Contract
| Contract | Trading Hours (ET) | Daily Break |
|---|---|---|
| ES / MES (S&P 500) | Sun 6 PM - Fri 5 PM | 5:00 - 6:00 PM |
| NQ / MNQ (Nasdaq) | Sun 6 PM - Fri 5 PM | 5:00 - 6:00 PM |
| YM / MYM (Dow) | Sun 6 PM - Fri 5 PM | 5:00 - 6:00 PM |
| CL / MCL (Crude Oil) | Sun 6 PM - Fri 5 PM | 5:00 - 6:00 PM |
| GC / MGC (Gold) | Sun 6 PM - Fri 5 PM | 5:00 - 6:00 PM |
Best Times to Trade Futures
RTH Open (9:30-10:30 AM)
Highest volatility and volume. Gap fills, opening range breakouts, and major moves. Best for active day traders.
Mid-Morning (10:30 AM-12:00 PM)
Trends often continue or reverse. Good for following momentum established at the open.
Lunch Hour (12:00-2:00 PM)
Typically slower, range-bound. Many traders take a break. Can be choppy and difficult.
Afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM)
Volume picks up. Final push trades, position adjustments before close. Can trend strongly.
Overnight (6 PM-9:30 AM)
Lower volume but can trend. Good for swing trades. React to global news and economic data.
European Open (2:00-3:00 AM)
Volume increases as London opens. Often sets the tone for the US session.
Important Times to Watch
8:30 AM ET - Economic Data
Major economic releases (jobs reports, CPI, GDP) are released at 8:30 AM. Expect significant volatility. Many traders avoid positions before these releases.
9:30 AM ET - Cash Market Open
The stock market opens, bringing massive volume to futures. The first 30-60 minutes often have the day's largest moves and best opportunities.
2:00 PM ET - FOMC Days
Federal Reserve announcements at 2:00 PM create extreme volatility. Experienced traders only. Often followed by whipsaw moves.
4:00 PM ET - Cash Market Close
Stock market closes but futures continue. After-hours moves can set up overnight positions. Volume decreases significantly.
Session Trading Considerations
Different sessions require different approaches:
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do futures start trading?
CME equity futures (ES, NQ) open Sunday at 6:00 PM Eastern Time and trade continuously until Friday at 5:00 PM ET, with a daily 1-hour break from 5:00-6:00 PM ET.
What is the best time to trade futures?
The best time to trade futures is during Regular Trading Hours (RTH), 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, when volume and liquidity are highest. The first hour (9:30-10:30 AM) often has the most volatility and opportunity.
Can you trade futures overnight?
Yes, futures trade nearly 24 hours. The overnight session (6 PM - 9:30 AM ET) has lower volume but allows traders to react to global news and Asian/European market movements.
When do futures close on Friday?
CME equity futures close Friday at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. They remain closed until Sunday at 6:00 PM ET. This creates weekend gap risk for positions held over the weekend.
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Margin & Commission Disclaimer
Margin requirements and commissions change frequently. Verify current rates with your broker.
Risk Disclosure: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Last updated: December 2025