Futures markets are known for offering nearly 24-hour access, but they don’t run around the clock without interruption. Each trading day includes a scheduled pause, and close times can vary depending on the contract you’re trading.
If you’re asking, “What time do futures stop trading?” the answer isn’t as simple as it seems. Most contracts pause for the day at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, but some (like agricultural futures) stop earlier. These close times matter more than many traders realize.
Whether you’re managing risk, planning entries and exits, or trying to avoid low-liquidity periods, understanding when futures markets close is an important part of your strategy. This guide covers daily close times, session breaks, weekend hours, and how to stay ahead of the clock.
Key Takeaways
- Most futures contracts stop trading at 4:00 p.m. CT, with a daily one-hour maintenance break before the next session begins.
- Futures markets operate nearly 24 hours a day, unlike the stock market’s limited trading window.
- Close times vary by asset class, with most financial contracts closing at 4:00 p.m. CT and agricultural contracts closing earlier at 1:20 p.m. CT.
- Understanding trading hours helps manage risk, avoid low-liquidity periods, and plan strategies more effectively.
What Time Do Futures Stop Trading Daily?
Most CME Group futures contracts stop trading at 4:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) every weekday. This marks the daily settlement close, used for calculating profit and loss, updating margins, and marking positions to market.
The market then reopens at 5:00 p.m. CT for the next trading day. That one-hour gap between sessions is a scheduled break known as the Globex maintenance window.
The daily close is critical because:
- It sets the official closing price for each contract.
- It defines the cutoff for margin updates and settlement.
- Liquidity often drops right before and during the break.
Not all contracts follow the same schedule, so it’s important to understand the timing for the asset class you’re trading.
Futures Market Hours: General Overview
Futures markets operate on the CME Globex electronic trading platform, which allows nearly round-the-clock access to global markets. A typical trading day follows this pattern:
- Pre-Open: Around 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT (trading paused, orders accepted)
- Main Session: 5:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT the next day
- Maintenance Break: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT daily
- Weekly Break: Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT to Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT
Most times are listed in Central Time (CT), and sessions run Sunday evening through Friday afternoon.
Stock Market Hours vs Futures Market Hours
The U.S. stock market is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. That’s just 6.5 hours of trading per day.
In contrast, futures markets operate for nearly 23 hours a day, beginning at 5:00 p.m. CT on Sunday and continuing through Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT, with only a one-hour daily break.
Key differences:
- Futures trade overnight, enabling you to respond to global news events in real-time.
- Stocks do not trade overnight, unless through limited after-hours sessions.
- Futures open on Sunday evening, while stocks open Monday morning.
This extended access makes futures appealing to active traders who want to manage positions around the clock.
What Time Does Each Futures Contract Stop Trading?
While most CME Group futures follow similar trading hours, each asset class has its own schedule and market behavior. Below is a breakdown of typical close times for major futures categories, all listed in Central Time (CT).
Keep in mind that hours may vary slightly depending on the product and expiration cycle.
Equity Index Futures (S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow, Russell)
Equity index futures track major U.S. stock market benchmarks and are among the most heavily traded futures contracts.
- Close: 4:00 p.m. CT
- Reopen: 5:00 p.m. CT
- Friday Close: 4:00 p.m. CT; resumes Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT
These contracts align closely with the U.S. stock market schedule, but remain tradable nearly 23 hours per day for continuous global exposure.
Energy Futures (Crude Oil, Natural Gas)
Energy futures are influenced by global supply, demand, and geopolitical developments. They often see strong volatility around inventory reports and economic data releases.
- Close: 4:00 p.m. CT
- Reopen: 5:00 p.m. CT
Because energy markets operate globally, traders often monitor overnight sessions to react to news in real-time.
Metals Futures (Gold, Silver, Copper)
Metals futures are a popular way to hedge against inflation or speculate on commodity prices. Gold and silver, in particular, are active during both U.S. and European trading hours.
- Close: 4:00 p.m. CT
- Reopen: 5:00 p.m. CT
These contracts trade almost continuously throughout the week, offering liquidity across multiple global sessions.
Agricultural Futures (Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, etc.)
Agricultural futures represent the oldest category of futures contracts and are highly seasonal. They’re impacted by crop reports, weather patterns, and global food demand.
- Overnight session: Sunday – Friday 7:00 p.m. CT – 7:45 a.m. CT
- Day session: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. CT
- Maintenance break: 7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. CT daily
These contracts follow shorter daily hours and often experience sharp price moves around USDA reports.
Currency Futures (Euro FX, Yen, GBP, etc.)
Currency futures allow traders to speculate on or hedge exchange rate movements between major world currencies.
- Close: 4:00 p.m. CT
- Reopen: 5:00 p.m. CT
Because currency markets are global, these futures are active nearly 24 hours a day, especially during overlapping sessions in London and New York.
Interest Rate Futures (Treasuries, SOFR)
Interest rate futures track government debt instruments and benchmark rates. They’re essential for traders managing exposure to changes in monetary policy.
- Close: 4:00 p.m. CT
- Reopen: 5:00 p.m. CT
Trading volume peaks around economic announcements and Federal Reserve statements that influence rate expectations.
Cryptocurrency Futures (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Crypto futures provide regulated access to digital asset price movements without directly holding the underlying cryptocurrency.
- Close: 4:00 p.m. CT
- Reopen: 5:00 p.m. CT
Although spot crypto trades 24/7, regulated futures on exchanges like CME follow the same daily maintenance schedule as other asset classes.
Weekend and Holiday Futures Trading Hours
Futures markets close at 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday and remain closed over the weekend until Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT.
This weekend gap is the longest period when markets are not tradable, and it can lead to price gaps if major news breaks during that time.
On U.S. holidays, markets may:
- Close early (e.g., Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve)
- Stay closed for the full session (e.g., Memorial Day, New Year’s Day)
For the latest calendar, always check the CME holiday trading schedule.
Session Breaks and Maintenance Times Explained
The daily maintenance break from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT is a scheduled pause in trading that:
- Allows exchanges to perform system updates
- Closes trading for daily settlement and margin calculation
- Reduces exposure to errors or unfilled orders
No trades can be executed during this window. Liquidity tends to dry up leading into the break, and spreads may widen.
What Happens at the Daily Futures Close?
At the close (typically 4:00 p.m. CT), several key things happen:
- Settlement Price is Set: This becomes the official closing price for the day and is used to mark open positions.
- Positions are Marked to Market: Gains or losses are realized on a daily basis in futures trading.
- Margin Balances Update: Your broker will calculate whether your account meets maintenance margin requirements.
- Liquidity Dips: Traders may exit positions before the break to avoid slippage or gapping risk.
This close is crucial for both day traders and swing traders managing overnight exposure.
Why Knowing Futures Trading Hours Matters
Understanding market close times isn’t just about knowing when you can or can’t trade. It affects:
- Trade Execution: Illiquid conditions near breaks can lead to poor fills.
- Strategy Timing: Many traders exit before the close to avoid surprises.
- Margin Management: Daily mark-to-market can trigger margin calls.
- Risk Management: Trading into the close may expose you to unexpected overnight moves.
Being time-aware helps you protect capital and improve trade quality.
Best Time to Trade Futures
Not all hours in the futures market are created equal. While contracts are available nearly 24/7, the best time to trade is usually when markets are most liquid.
This typically means:
- 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT, overlapping with the U.S. stock market open
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, when Europe and the U.S. are both active
Low-volume periods, like right after the reopen or near the daily close, may carry higher risk.
Want to dive deeper?
Read our full guide: When is the Best Time to Trade Futures?
Tools for Tracking Futures Market Hours
Don’t rely on memory — these tools can help you stay in sync with market hours:
- Session overlays on charts highlight active and inactive trading periods.
- Custom alerts can be set to notify you before the daily close or market reopen.
- Exchange resources (e.g., CME Group) provide official trading schedules and holiday calendars.
MetroTrader: Built for Active Traders
MetroTrader is designed for traders who want fast execution, professional-grade tools, and access to global futures markets all in one place. The platform supports trading across asset classes like equity indices, energies, metals, and more, with seamless order entry and real-time market data.
Whether you’re analyzing trends, placing trades directly from the chart, or managing open positions, MetroTrader gives you the control and visibility you need to trade efficiently.
Not ready to trade live yet? You can test the full platform risk-free with a 30-day demo account funded with $5,000 in virtual capital, or open a live account when you’re ready to trade the markets for real.
Pros and Cons of 24-Hour Futures Trading
Pros
- Trade global news as it happens: Futures markets let you respond instantly to economic data, earnings, and geopolitical events around the world.
- Gain flexibility as a part-time trader: Nearly 24-hour access allows traders to manage positions before or after the traditional workday.
- Reduce overnight price gaps: Because futures trade across global sessions, large price jumps between days are less common than in stocks.
- Access multiple time zones: Traders can take advantage of activity in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. without switching markets.
Cons
- Liquidity drops during maintenance breaks: The one-hour pause between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. CT can cause wider spreads and thinner order books.
- Time zone differences can be confusing: Each asset class may list times in Central Time or local exchange time, which can lead to scheduling mistakes.
- Low-volume periods increase slippage risk: Trading late at night or right before the daily close can lead to unfavorable fills.
- Constant availability can lead to overtrading: Around-the-clock access makes it tempting to trade too frequently, which can hurt performance.
Conclusion
Knowing when futures stop trading is more than a technical detail; it’s a key part of becoming a disciplined trader. Understanding daily close times, session breaks, and liquidity windows can help you plan trades more effectively, manage margin risk, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re ready to put that knowledge into practice, create a MetroTrade account today. You can start with a 30-day free demo account to explore live market conditions, or move straight into live trading when you’re ready to trade the markets for real.
Start building your confidence with the platform designed for futures traders who value precision and performance.
FAQs
What time do most futures stop trading for the day?
Most U.S. futures contracts stop trading at 4:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) each weekday. This daily close marks the end of the trading session on CME Globex and is followed by a one-hour break before trading resumes at 5:00 p.m. CT.
What time do futures start trading again after the close?
Futures markets typically reopen at 5:00 p.m. CT, one hour after the daily maintenance break. This begins the next trading session and allows traders to react to global and overnight market activity.
Are futures markets open 24 hours a day?
Futures markets are open nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week. Most contracts trade from Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. CT through Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT, pausing daily between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. CT for system maintenance and settlement.
What time do futures stop trading on Friday?
Most futures markets close at 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday and remain closed for the weekend. Trading then reopens Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT, marking the start of the new week.
Do all futures contracts stop trading at the same time?
No. While most financial futures close at 4:00 p.m. CT, agricultural contracts such as corn and soybeans typically close earlier at 1:20 p.m. CT before reopening in the evening.
When are futures markets closed for the weekend?
Futures markets are closed from Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT until Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT. This weekend gap can sometimes cause price jumps if major news breaks while markets are closed.
Where can I check trading hours for specific futures contracts?
You can find detailed trading hours and holiday schedules by viewing the official CME Group contract specifications for each futures product.
The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered trading, investment, tax, or legal advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation. Always consult with a licensed financial professional before making any trading decisions. MetroTrade is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this content.