More markets. Bigger accounts. Funded crypto. Welcome to the new TradeFundrr.Funded crypto & bigger accounts — now live. Explore funding →
Futures

Futures Session Times: When the Markets Are Actually Open

TradeFundrr TradeFundrr June 19, 2024 6 min read
Futures Session Times cover

Futures are famous for trading “almost around the clock,” and it is nearly true. But “open” and “worth trading” are not the same thing. Knowing the actual session times — and where the liquidity sits inside them — matters more than most new traders expect.

The core CME Globex schedule

The major CME equity-index futures (the E-mini and Micro S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 — ES, MES, NQ, MNQ) trade on CME Globex on this schedule:

  • Weekly open: Sunday 6:00 PM ET (5:00 PM CT).
  • Weekly close: Friday 5:00 PM ET (4:00 PM CT).
  • Daily maintenance break: a one-hour halt from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM ET (4:00–5:00 PM CT), Monday through Thursday.

That works out to roughly 23 hours of trading per day, five days a week, with the market essentially resetting into each new session at 6:00 PM ET.

Regular hours vs the overnight session

Inside that long window, traders draw a line between the regular trading hours (RTH), 9:30 AM–4:00 PM ET, which line up with the US cash equity session, and the overnight or extended session that covers the Asian and European hours. The contract is open the whole time, but volume is not evenly spread.

Where the liquidity actually is

Liquidity tends to concentrate around the US cash open (9:30 AM ET), the prior afternoon close, and the overlap with the London session in the early US morning. The deep overnight hours can be thin, which means wider spreads and moves that travel further on less volume. None of this is a signal to trade or avoid any particular time — it is context so you can judge whether conditions suit your strategy.

Why session times matter in a funded account

In a structured, simulated funded account, your daily loss limit is tied to the trading day, and the 6:00 PM ET reset is usually where one “day” ends and the next begins. Knowing exactly when the session rolls keeps you from being caught on the wrong side of a daily limit or holding into a thin window you did not mean to. Always confirm the specific session and cutoff times your platform and program use, since they can differ.

TradeFundrr provides a structured, simulated trading environment for educational and skill-development purposes. Nothing here is financial, investment, or trading advice, and no outcome is guaranteed. Contract specifications, tick and point values, and exchange trading hours are set by the relevant exchange (e.g., CME Group) and can change, so always confirm the current details for the exact contract and on your own platform. Account rules, loss limits, position limits, fees, and payout terms vary by firm and program — read and follow the written terms for your specific account.

Put the math to work in a funded account

Develop your sizing, risk, and execution in a structured, simulated environment with clear rules and a real path to funding.

Get Funded →
← Back to all posts

General Disclosure

TradeFundrr (“the Platform”) is a provider of capital funding, trading technology, and educational resources for qualified retail and professional traders. TradeFundrr is not a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial planner, and does not provide personalized investment advice, recommendations, or portfolio management services. The Platform does not solicit or accept investments from the public, nor does it hold customer funds or securities.

All programs, content, and services offered by TradeFundrr, including but not limited to live trading rooms, chat forums, webinars, and educational materials, are for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information or commentary provided through TradeFundrr should be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, nor as a recommendation or endorsement of any trading strategy, security, or investment. Any trading decisions made by users are solely their own responsibility and must be based on their independent evaluation of their financial circumstances, trading objectives, risk tolerance, and other relevant factors.

TradeFundrr operates in partnership with regulated financial institutions, including T3 Trading Group, LLC (a registered SEC broker-dealer and FINRA/SIPC member), to facilitate funded trading opportunities. However, participation in TradeFundrr’s programs does not constitute a client relationship with these partners unless and until a separate agreement is executed.

Statements made by TradeFundrr staff, community members, or guest presenters reflect only their personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of TradeFundrr or its partners. Individuals providing information or opinions may hold positions in securities discussed or have other financial interests that could conflict with the information provided. Users should consider these factors when evaluating any information or opinions shared through the Platform.

TradeFundrr strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content and services, but makes no guarantees as to the completeness, timeliness, or correctness of any information provided. No guarantee or promise of profit or loss avoidance is made or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no representation is made that any user or account will achieve results similar to those discussed or demonstrated on the Platform.

Risk Disclosure

Trading in financial markets, including equities, options, futures, and forex, involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. The use of leverage, as is common in funded trading programs, can amplify both gains and losses and may result in losses exceeding your initial capital allocation.

Before participating in TradeFundrr programs or utilizing funded trading accounts, users should carefully consider their financial situation, trading experience, and risk tolerance. All trading involves risk, and there is no guarantee of profit. Users are solely responsible for understanding and adhering to all risk management protocols and compliance requirements established by TradeFundrr and its partners.

TradeFundrr enforces strict risk management parameters, including daily loss limits, maximum position sizes, and mandatory stop-loss requirements. Violation of these parameters may result in suspension or termination of funded trading privileges. Users are encouraged to consult with independent financial, legal, or tax advisors before making any trading or business decisions.

Hypothetical Performance Disclaimer (CFTC Requirement)

Hypothetical or simulated performance results have certain limitations. Unlike an actual performance record, simulated results do not represent actual trading. Also, since the trades have not actually been executed, the results may have under- or over-compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors, such as lack of liquidity. Simulated trading programs in general are also subject to the fact that they are designed with the benefit of hindsight. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown.

If hypothetical or simulated performance results are presented, all material assumptions used in preparing such results (including initial investment, reinvestment of profits, commissions, fees, and pricing methods) will be disclosed. Hypothetical results are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect actual trading.

Testimonial Disclosure

Testimonials appearing on TradeFundrr’s website, marketing materials, or community forums reflect the personal experiences of individual users and may not be representative of the experience of all participants. Testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success. No compensation is provided for testimonials unless explicitly stated. Where testimonials are provided by individuals with a material connection to TradeFundrr (such as employees, affiliates, or partners), this relationship will be disclosed.