Introduction: Why Knowing What Time Futures Stop Trading Matters
Many new traders ask the same question: what time futures stop trading today? The answer is important because trading hours affect profits, risk, and strategy. If you do not know the closing time, you may leave trades open by mistake. This can cause unwanted losses or missed opportunities.
Futures markets follow set schedules. Each type of future—stock index, energy, metals, agriculture—has different trading hours. Some stop earlier, while others run almost 24 hours. In this guide, you will discover exactly what time futures stop trading today, explained in simple steps.
What Are Futures and Why Do They Stop Trading?
Futures are contracts. They allow traders to buy or sell assets at a future date and price. These assets can be stocks, oil, gold, corn, or even currencies.
Like stock markets, futures markets cannot run 24/7 without breaks. They stop at certain times so exchanges can process trades, adjust accounts, and prepare for the next session.
What Time Futures Stop Trading Today on Major Exchanges
To answer what time futures stop trading today, you need to know the exchange and product. Different futures close at different times.
Common Closing Times
- Stock Index Futures (like S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq): 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) with an extended session until 5:00 PM ET.
- Commodity Futures (like oil, gold, silver): Many stop at 2:30 PM ET, though some trade later until 5:00 PM ET.
- Agricultural Futures (like corn, wheat, soybeans): Often stop around 2:20 PM ET.
- Currency Futures: Many stop at 5:00 PM ET, matching global forex market rollovers.
Table: What Time Futures Stop Trading Today by Category
| Futures Type | Exchange (Common) | Stop Trading Time (ET) | Notes |
| S&P 500 Futures | CME | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Daily pause after 5:00 PM |
| Nasdaq Futures | CME | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Similar to S&P 500 |
| Dow Futures | CME | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Equity index timing |
| Gold Futures | COMEX | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Day session ends earlier |
| Crude Oil Futures | NYMEX | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Energy product rules |
| Corn Futures | CBOT | 2:20 PM – 8:45 AM | Break then reopen |
| Wheat Futures | CBOT | 2:20 PM – 8:45 AM | Same as corn |
| Currency Futures | CME | 5:00 PM | Matches forex rollover |
Why Do Futures Stop Trading at Different Times?
The answer depends on the asset type. Agricultural markets follow farm hours. Energy products like oil and gas follow global energy schedules. Stock index futures align with US stock markets.
This means the time futures stop trading today changes depending on what you trade.
What Time Futures Stop Trading Today for Stock Index Futures
Stock index futures are among the most popular. Traders use them to bet on markets before they open and after they close.
- S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow futures usually stop at 4:00 PM ET.
- A short break happens, then a new session begins at 6:00 PM ET for the next trading day.
This schedule helps global traders react to events around the clock.
What Time Futures Stop Trading Today for Commodity Futures
Commodity futures include gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.
- Gold and silver futures on COMEX stop at 1:30 PM ET, but trading can extend until 5:00 PM ET.
- Crude oil futures on NYMEX stop at 2:30 PM ET, with extended trading until 5:00 PM ET.
If you ask what time futures stop trading today for gold or oil, the answer is: the main session closes mid-afternoon, but limited hours continue later.
What Time Futures Stop Trading Today for Agricultural Futures
Agriculture products like corn, wheat, and soybeans follow different rules.
- Most stop at 2:20 PM ET.
- After a break, they reopen in the evening around 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET.
Farm-based schedules are designed to match harvest and production cycles.
What Time Futures Stop Trading Today for Currency Futures
Currency futures are linked to global forex trading.
- They often stop at 5:00 PM ET.
- This matches the daily forex rollover period.
So, if you trade euro, yen, or pound futures, always check the 5:00 PM ET cutoff.
Special Cases: Holidays and Shortened Sessions
On holidays, the time futures stop trading today may be earlier than normal. For example:
- On US Thanksgiving, markets often close at 1:00 PM ET.
- On Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, early closures also apply.
Always check the CME or exchange calendar before trading near holidays.
What Happens After Futures Stop Trading Today?
When futures stop, the market enters a “pause.” During this time:
- No new trades are allowed.
- Brokers and exchanges clear accounts.
- Daily price limits reset.
- Traders prepare for the next session.
How Traders Can Use the Knowledge of Trading Stop Times
Knowing what time futures stop trading today helps traders plan better.
Benefits:
- Close risky positions before the market ends.
- Avoid unwanted overnight exposure.
- Place orders for the next session in advance.
- Adjust stop-loss and take-profit levels.
Mistakes Traders Make About Futures Stop Times
- Thinking futures run 24/7 without breaks.
- Confusing extended hours with main trading hours.
- Forgetting about holidays and special schedules.
- Leaving trades open unintentionally overnight.
Tips for Managing Futures Trading Hours
- Always check exchange websites for official schedules.
- Convert times to your local time zone to avoid errors.
- Use trading apps with alerts for market closing times.
- Keep a trading journal to track stop times of your favorite products.
FAQs on What Time Futures Stop Trading Today
Q1: Do futures stop trading at the same time every day?
Not always. Times depend on the product and exchange.
Q2: Can I trade futures after the main market stops?
Yes, some futures allow limited after-hours trading.
Q3: Do futures trade on weekends?
No, most futures stop on Friday evening and reopen Sunday night.
Q4: What time do futures stop trading before holidays?
Usually earlier, around 1:00 PM ET, but check the holiday schedule.
Q5: Why does the S&P 500 futures stop at 4:00 PM ET?
Because it follows the US stock market close.
Q6: Can I place orders when futures stop trading?
No, but you can prepare orders for when markets reopen.
Q7: Do global futures markets stop at the same time?
No, every exchange follows its own schedule.
Conclusion: Discover What Time Futures Stop Trading Today Easily
The key to safe and smart trading is timing. By knowing what time futures stop trading today, you avoid surprises, plan trades better, and protect your money.
Remember:
- Stock index futures stop around 4:00 PM ET.
- Commodities like gold and oil stop around 1:30–2:30 PM ET.
- Agriculture futures stop at 2:20 PM ET.
- Currency futures stop at 5:00 PM ET.
Trading futures is about discipline. Respect the stop times, and you will trade with confidence every day.