When Do Futures Open on Sunday? Understanding Crypto Futures Trading Hours

2025-04-28

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, futures markets offer traders the opportunity to speculate on the price movements of digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ether.

For those interested in trading crypto futures, understanding the trading hours is crucial to making informed decisions.

When Do Crypto Futures Open on Sunday?

CME Group cryptocurrency futures, including those for Bitcoin and Ether, officially open for trading every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Central Time (CT). This opening marks the start of a nearly 24-hour trading cycle that runs until the following Friday.

These futures are traded on the CME Globex platform, one of the largest and most prominent venues for digital asset futures.

Once the market opens on Sunday evening, it remains accessible for trading 23 hours per day, with a brief pause every day from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. This daily break allows for essential processes such as marking contracts to market and adjusting margin requirements. Trading concludes every Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Key Points on Trading Hours

Sunday Opening: Crypto futures on CME Globex begin trading at 5:00 p.m. CT every Sunday.
Continuous Trading: The market remains open 23 hours daily, from Sunday evening until Friday afternoon.
Daily Break: Trading pauses daily from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT for routine processes.
Friday Closing: Trading closes for the week at 4:00 p.m. CT on Friday.

Why Are These Hours Set?

The CME's trading hours are designed to align with global financial markets, ensuring that traders around the world have access to crypto futures almost around the clock. This structure allows for greater flexibility and continuous engagement in the market, catering to traders in different time zones.

The brief break each day aids in the settlement of contracts and risk management processes, crucial for maintaining market integrity and ensuring that margin and profit/loss calculations are up-to-date.

Example: Sunday Opening in Local Time

To help you plan your trading strategy, here are the local times when CME cryptocurrency futures open on Sunday:

Central Time (CT): 5:00 p.m. Sunday
Eastern Time (ET): 6:00 p.m. Sunday
London Time (BST/GMT): 11:00 p.m. Sunday (during daylight saving; 10:00 p.m. otherwise)
Jakarta Time (WIB): 5:00 a.m. Monday

CME Crypto Futures Trading Hours Summary

Day	Open Time (CT)	Close Time (CT)	Daily Break (CT)
Sunday	5:00 p.m.	-	4:00–5:00 p.m. (Mon)
Monday–Thursday	5:00 p.m. (prev. day)	4:00 p.m. (next day)	4:00–5:00 p.m. daily
Friday	5:00 p.m. (Thurs)	4:00 p.m.	4:00–5:00 p.m.

Exceptions to the Standard Hours

While the standard opening for CME crypto futures is 5:00 p.m. CT on Sundays, certain holidays and special market events can lead to exceptions in the trading schedule.

Holiday Weekends:

If a major U.S. holiday like Memorial Day or Labor Day falls on or near a Sunday or Monday, the opening of the market may be delayed. In such cases, crypto futures may not open until Monday at 5:00 p.m. CT, rather than the usual Sunday evening opening. These changes typically occur when the holiday is observed on a Monday, in which case the market opens the following evening.

Special Market Closures:

There are also instances when CME announces modified trading hours for special events such as Good Friday or New Year's Day. Traders should always verify the updated trading schedule ahead of such periods.

Stay Updated with CME’s Trading Calendar

Traders should be mindful of the CME Group’s official trading hours and holiday schedule page to stay updated on any changes to the Sunday opening. The CME makes announcements well in advance for any deviations from the standard schedule, allowing traders to plan accordingly and avoid any surprises.

Conclusion

Understanding the trading hours for CME cryptocurrency futures is essential for both new and experienced traders looking to navigate the dynamic crypto markets.

By knowing that futures open every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT, and remain accessible nearly 24 hours a day until Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT, traders can plan their strategies effectively.

Additionally, the daily break from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT allows for important market functions, ensuring stability and transparency in the trading process.

It's also important to be aware of exceptions during U.S. holidays or special events, as these may shift the normal trading schedule. Always check the CME Group’s official trading calendar for updates and to avoid any surprises.

With this knowledge, traders can confidently engage in the market, optimize their trading windows, and stay ahead of potential market movements.

In essence, staying informed about trading hours is a crucial part of successful futures trading. By aligning your trading strategies with the global market schedule, you can enhance your ability to capitalize on opportunities and manage risk with greater precision.

FAQ

Q: When do CME cryptocurrency futures open on Sunday?
A: CME cryptocurrency futures, including Bitcoin and Ether futures, open for trading every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Central Time (CT).

Q: How long are CME crypto futures available for trading each day?
A: CME crypto futures are available for trading 23 hours per day, starting Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT and ending Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT, with a daily break from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.

Q: What is the daily break in CME crypto futures trading?
A: There is a 60-minute break each day from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. During this time, trading is paused for routine processes, such as marking contracts to market and adjusting margin requirements.

Q: Do CME crypto futures close on weekends?
A: No, CME crypto futures do not close on weekends. They are open from Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT until Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT, except for the daily break from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the usual Sunday 5:00 p.m. CT opening time?
A: Yes, exceptions can occur during U.S. holidays, such as Memorial Day or Labor Day, when the Sunday opening may be delayed to Monday evening.

Q: Where can I find updates on CME crypto futures trading hours?
A: You can find updates and any schedule changes on the CME Group’s official trading hours and holiday schedule page.

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