Futures market hours: when do NQ, ES and Gold open and close?
CME equity index and metals futures trade almost 24 hours a day, five days a week. All times below are New York time (ET).
The weekly schedule
| Time (ET) | |
|---|---|
| Week opens | Sunday 18:00 |
| Daily break | 17:00–18:00, Monday to Thursday |
| Week closes | Friday 17:00 |
| Cash equity open | 09:30 |
| Cash equity close | 16:00 |
The three sessions MFT uses
- Asia: 18:00–02:00 ET
- London: 02:00–08:00 ET
- New York: 08:30–16:00 ET
Why prop firms want you flat around 16:10 ET
Liquidity thins before the daily settlement and the 17:00 break. Most firms require positions closed shortly after the cash close. MFT takes no new entries after 15:00 ET and flattens automated positions at 16:10 ET.
Holidays
US holidays shorten or close sessions. Always check the CME holiday calendar — low-liquidity holiday sessions are a common place to give back profit.
Common questions
What time do futures open on Sunday?
18:00 New York time (00:00 Swedish time in summer).
Do futures trade 24 hours?
Nearly — 23 hours a day with a one-hour break from 17:00 to 18:00 ET.
Let MFT follow the rules for you
Five rule-based models on NQ, ES and Gold, exact levels, and optional automation to your prop or live account with news, close and profit-target protection.
Educational content only, not financial advice. Prop firm rules change — always confirm on the firm's site.