Futures Trading Hours by Market

Important Economic Reports and Futures Market Activity

While most futures markets trade nearly around the clock, some of the most active trading periods occur around scheduled economic reports and government data releases. These reports can increase market volatility and trading volume across many futures markets.

Commonly followed market reports include:

• Employment Situation Report (Non-Farm Payrolls) – Typically released on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Central Time.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Typically released monthly at 7:30 a.m. Central Time.
• Producer Price Index (PPI) – Typically released monthly at 7:30 a.m. Central Time.
• Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decisions (FOMC) – Typically announced at 1:00 p.m. Central Time on scheduled meeting dates.
• EIA Crude Oil Inventories Report – Typically released Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. Central Time.
• USDA Crop Production and WASDE Reports – Typically released monthly at 11:00 a.m. Central Time.

Many futures traders monitor these reports because they can influence market expectations and contribute to significant price movements in stock index, interest rate, energy, agricultural, currency and precious metals futures markets.

Report schedules can change due to holidays, government closures or special circumstances. Traders should always verify release dates and times with the issuing agencies before making trading decisions.

All times are U.S. Chicago/Central time zone.

Grain Futures Trading Hours

Grain futures follow their own schedule and include a trading halt* during the morning.

*Grain futures have a trading halt Monday – Friday from 7:45am – 8:30am.

Stock Index Futures Trading Hours

Stock index futures are among the most actively followed futures markets and often trade nearly around the clock during the trading week.

Currency Futures Trading Hours

Below are the trading hours for the major currency futures contracts. Most currency futures follow a 23-hour / 6 days schedule during the trading week.

Energy Futures Trading Hours

Energy futures such as Crude Oil and Natural Gas are heavily followed markets and trade nearly around the clock during the week.

Metals Futures Trading Hours

Gold, Silver and other metals futures generally follow extended trading hours during the trading week.

Interest Rates Futures Trading Hours

Interest Rate futures also follow extended trading hours throughout the week.

Livestock Futures Trading Hours

Livestock futures trade on a daytime schedule that differs from many other futures contracts.

Softs Futures Trading Hours

Soft commodity futures trading hours vary more widely by contract than many other futures market groups.

All times are U.S. Chicago/Central time zone.

Frequently Asked Questions