As market participants gear up for another active trading day, many are asking: what are the futures trading hours today? Whether you’re trading the S&P 500, crude oil, or crypto futures, staying informed on session times is key to planning your strategy.
🕒 Why Trading Hours Matter
Futures markets operate nearly 24/7, but they still follow specific schedules based on asset class and exchange. In particular, U.S. holidays and special dates—like July 3rd—can bring modified hours or early closes, catching some traders off guard.
🔍 Key Futures Markets & Their Hours Today
| Market | Normal Trading Hours (ET) | Any Changes Today? |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 (CME) | 6:00 PM (prior day) – 5:00 PM | Early close on holidays |
| Nasdaq 100 (CME) | 6:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Check CME alerts |
| Crude Oil (NYMEX) | 6:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Watch for volatility near holidays |
| Gold Futures (COMEX) | 6:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Often closes early before U.S. holidays |
| Bitcoin Futures (CME) | 6:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Crypto trades mostly as usual |
👉 Tip: Always check the CME Group’s holiday calendar or your broker’s alerts for official changes.
🇺🇸 Special Notes for U.S. Holidays
Today’s futures schedule may be impacted if it’s adjacent to a federal holiday like the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving. On such days:
- Trading may stop early (e.g., 1:00 PM ET).
- Liquidity can drop sharply.
- Volatility may increase due to low volume.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Don’t let unexpected closures disrupt your trades. Always:
- Review exchange notices,
- Monitor broker alerts,
- Use stop-losses and manage open positions accordingly.
Stay ahead — trade smart.
