Copy of Global exchange reference

Sierra Chart Futures Markets Reference

Sierra Chart Futures Markets

Global Exchange Reference & Trading Hours Guide

⚡ MOC Alert (US Equities): The 15:50-16:00 CT window represents the closing auction period with extreme algorithmic activity. Avoid initiating new positions 2-5 minutes before close.

🕐 DST Schedule 2025

USA: Mar 9 – Nov 2
Europe: Mar 30 – Oct 26
Australia: Oct 5 – Apr 6, 2026

📊 Coverage

US Equities, Metals, Energy, Bonds • European Indices & Rates • Asian & Australian Markets • Currencies (CME) • Crypto (CME)

Product (Symbol) Exchange & Location UTC Std UTC DST DST Period Full Session Regular Trading Hours Recommended Window Peak Volume & Strategy Notes
🇺🇸 US EQUITIES (CME)
E-mini S&P 500
(ES / MES) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 16:00 CT 08:30 - 15:50 CT Peak: 08:30-11:00 CT (early open + cash market open), 12:00-13:00 CT (econ data), 14:00-15:50 CT (power hour). Avoid: 15:50-16:00 MOC auction, overnight 17:00-08:30 CT thin.
E-mini NASDAQ-100
(NQ / MNQ) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 16:00 CT 08:30 - 15:50 CT Peak: 08:30-11:00 CT (tech earnings), 12:00-13:00 CT (Fed/data), 14:00-15:50 CT. Highest beta, most tech-reactive. Avoid: 15:50-16:00 MOC.
E-mini Dow Jones
(YM / MYM) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 16:00 CT 08:30 - 15:50 CT Peak: 08:30-11:00 CT (blue-chip sentiment). Less volatile than ES/NQ; large-cap dividend focus. Avoid: 15:50-16:00 MOC, overnight.
E-mini Russell 2000
(RTY / M2K) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 16:00 CT 08:30 - 15:50 CT Peak: 08:30-10:00 CT (gap fill, highest beta). First to move on risk sentiment. Avoid: 15:50-16:00 MOC, overnight thin. Momentum/directional only.
🇺🇸 US METALS (COMEX)
Gold 100oz / Micro
(GC / MGC) 		COMEX / CME Group
New York, USA 		UTC -05:00 UTC -04:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 18:00 - Fri 17:00 ET 08:20 - 13:30 ET 08:20 - 12:00 ET Peak: 08:20-11:00 ET (pit open, London-NY overlap, institutional volume), 10:00-12:00 ET (EU data). Electronic strong 13:00-17:00 ET. Avoid: overnight thin 21:00-08:00 ET.
Silver 5000oz / Micro
(SI / SIL) 		COMEX / CME Group
New York, USA 		UTC -05:00 UTC -04:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 18:00 - Fri 17:00 ET 08:20 - 13:30 ET 08:20 - 11:30 ET Peak: 08:20-11:00 ET (pit open, higher volatility than gold). Industrial demand & equity correlation strong. Avoid: post-13:30 ET thin, overnight 21:00-08:00 ET.
Copper / Micro
(HG / MHG) 		COMEX / CME Group
New York, USA 		UTC -05:00 UTC -04:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 18:00 - Fri 17:00 ET 08:20 - 13:30 ET 08:20 - 11:00 ET Peak: 08:20-10:30 ET (London-NY overlap, China impact). China industrial data & infrastructure news critical. Monitor: Shanghai overnight gaps, post-13:30 thin.
🇺🇸 US ENERGY (NYMEX)
Crude Oil WTI / Micro
(CL / MCL) 		NYMEX / CME Group
New York, USA 		UTC -05:00 UTC -04:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 18:00 - Fri 17:00 ET 08:30 - 14:30 ET 08:30 - 14:00 ET Peak: 08:30-11:00 ET (London open), 10:30-11:00 ET (EIA Wednesdays - highest spike). Geopolitical & OPEC sentiment primary drivers. Avoid: overnight geopolitical gaps, post-14:30 thin.
Natural Gas / Micro
(NG / QG / MNG) 		NYMEX / CME Group
New York, USA 		UTC -05:00 UTC -04:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 18:00 - Fri 17:00 ET 08:30 - 14:30 ET 14:00 - 15:30 ET Peak: 14:00-15:30 ET (afternoon volatility spike, weather sensitivity). Seasonal patterns dominant; heating/cooling demand critical. Avoid: overnight very thin, NOAA gaps.
🇺🇸 US INTEREST RATES (CBOT)
10-Year Treasury Note
(ZN) 		CBOT / CME Group
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 07:20 - 14:00 CT 07:20 - 13:00 CT Peak: 07:20-09:00 CT (pit open, Asia close), 12:30-13:30 CT (FOMC/Treasury auctions/econ data). Most active during yield curve inflection. Avoid: post-14:00 thin, overnight 17:00-07:20.
30-Year Treasury Bond
(ZB) 		CBOT / CME Group
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 07:20 - 14:00 CT 07:20 - 13:00 CT Peak: 07:20-09:00 CT (pit open), 12:30-13:30 CT (FOMC/auctions). FOMC announcements create largest intraday moves. Avoid: post-14:00 thin, overnight.
🌾 US AGRICULTURE (CBOT/NYMEX)
Corn / Mini
(ZC / XC) 		CBOT / CME Group
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 19:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 13:15 CT 09:30 - 13:10 CT Peak: 09:30-11:00 CT (pit open, best spreads). USDA crop reports (~11:00 AM) create spikes; wait 30min post-release. Settlement 13:13-13:15 CT. Avoid: post-settlement, overnight electronic thin.
Soybeans / Mini
(ZS / XK) 		CBOT / CME Group
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 19:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 13:15 CT 09:30 - 13:10 CT Peak: 09:30-11:00 CT (pit session, highest volume & volatility). Most volatile grain; China trade sentiment key. Settlement 13:13-13:15 CT. Avoid: overnight China gaps, post-settlement.
Wheat (CBOT) / Mini
(ZW / XW) 		CBOT / CME Group
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 19:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 13:15 CT 09:30 - 13:10 CT Peak: 09:30-11:00 CT (pit session). Less volatile than corn/soybeans. Geopolitical supply (Ukraine/Russia) primary driver. Settlement 13:13-13:15 CT. Avoid: overnight geopolitical, post-settlement.
Soybean Oil & Meal
(ZL / ZM) 		CBOT / CME Group
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 19:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:30 - 13:15 CT 09:30 - 13:10 CT Peak: 09:30-11:00 CT (pit session). ZL sensitive to biofuel/renewable policy; ZM livestock feed demand. Settlement 13:13-13:15 CT. Avoid: overnight thin, post-settlement.
Live Cattle
(LE) 		CME / Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Mon-Fri 08:30 - 13:05 CT 08:30 - 13:05 CT 09:00 - 13:00 CT Peak: 09:00-11:00 CT, 12:00-13:00 CT. USDA livestock reports spike volume. Feed costs & weather key drivers. Settlement 13:02-13:05 CT. Avoid: pit close chop 13:00-13:05, overnight (no trading).
Lean Hogs
(HE) 		CME / Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Mon-Fri 08:30 - 13:05 CT 08:30 - 13:05 CT 09:00 - 13:00 CT Peak: 09:00-11:00 CT. More volatile than Live Cattle; disease outbreaks create sharp spikes. NASS reports & China pork policy critical. Settlement 13:02-13:05 CT. Avoid: pit close, overnight.
🇩🇪 EUROPEAN EQUITIES (EUREX)
DAX (Full/Mini/Micro)
(FDAX / FDXM / FDXS) 		Eurex
Frankfurt, Germany 		UTC +01:00 UTC +02:00 03-30/10-26 08:00 - 22:00 CET 09:00 - 17:30 CET 09:00 - 17:30 CET Peak: 09:00-11:30 CET (Frankfurt open + EU data), 14:00-17:30 CET (US overlap, highest institutional volume). Xetra provides best liquidity. Avoid: 01:00-08:00 CET thin, 22:00 settlement close.
Euro STOXX 50
(FESX) 		Eurex
Frankfurt, Germany 		UTC +01:00 UTC +02:00 03-30/10-26 08:00 - 22:00 CET 09:00 - 17:30 CET 09:00 - 17:30 CET Peak: 08:30-11:00 CET (opening), 14:00-17:30 CET (US overlap, large volume). Less volatile than DAX; range-trader preferred. ECB policy decisions drive sustained moves. Avoid: overnight Asian thin.
🇪🇺 EUROPEAN INTEREST RATES (EUREX)
Euro-Bund 10Y
(FGBL) 		Eurex
Frankfurt, Germany 		UTC +01:00 UTC +02:00 03-30/10-26 08:00 - 22:00 CET 08:00 - 22:00 CET 09:00 - 17:30 CET Peak: 09:00-10:00 CET (Frankfurt cash open), 14:00-17:30 CET (US Treasury open). Most liquid European rate product. ECB policy meetings drive major moves. Avoid: overnight Asian thin, post-22:00 CET.
Euro-Schatz 2Y
(FGBS) 		Eurex
Frankfurt, Germany 		UTC +01:00 UTC +02:00 03-30/10-26 08:00 - 22:00 CET 08:00 - 22:00 CET 08:30 - 16:00 CET Peak: 08:30-10:30 CET. Most sensitive to rate expectations; tight spreads during European hours. Lower volume than Bund but highly liquid. Avoid: overnight Asian, post-22:00 CET.
Euro-Bobl 5Y
(FGBM) 		Eurex
Frankfurt, Germany 		UTC +01:00 UTC +02:00 03-30/10-26 08:00 - 22:00 CET 08:00 - 22:00 CET 09:00 - 16:30 CET Peak: 09:00-10:30 CET (Frankfurt), 14:00-17:00 CET (US overlap). Mid-curve benchmark; excellent liquidity during European-US overlap. Avoid: overnight Asian thin, post-22:00 CET.
🇬🇧 UK EQUITIES (ICE LIFFE)
FTSE 100 Index
(Z) 		ICE Futures Europe (LIFFE)
London, UK 		UTC +00:00 UTC +01:00 03-30/10-26 01:00 - 21:15 GMT 08:00 - 16:30 GMT 08:00 - 15:30 GMT Peak: 08:00-10:30 GMT (London cash open + Europe overlap), 13:00-15:30 GMT (US pre-market). BoE announcements drive volatility. Avoid: overnight Asian thin 01:00-08:00 GMT.
🇯🇵 ASIA - EQUITY INDICES
Nikkei 225 Index
(NKD) 		Japan Exchange Group (JPX)
Osaka, Japan 		UTC +09:00 UTC +09:00 (no DST) N/A 08:00 - 15:15 JST 09:00 - 15:15 JST 09:00 - 15:15 JST Peak: 09:00-11:30 JST (morning), 12:30-15:15 JST (afternoon). BoJ comments & yen strength/weakness key drivers. Monitor: Nikkei CME futures during US hours for overnight gaps.
Hang Seng Index
(HSI) 		Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKEX)
Hong Kong 		UTC +08:00 UTC +08:00 (no DST) N/A 09:30 - 16:00 HKT 09:30 - 16:00 HKT 09:30 - 16:00 HKT Peak: 09:30-11:30 HKT (morning), 14:30-16:00 HKT (afternoon close). China economic data & policy announcements critical. Tech/property sector highly sensitive.
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIAN EQUITIES (ASX)
SPI 200 Index
(AP) 		Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
Sydney, Australia 		UTC +10:00 UTC +11:00 10-05/04-06 21:10 - 16:30 / 22:10 - 17:30 DST 22:10 - 16:30 AEDT 22:10 - 16:30 AEDT Peak: 22:10-22:30 AEDT (open), 14:00-16:30 AEDT (cash session). Overnight reflects US influence; cash session most liquid. Avoid: thin sessions between close & reopen.
💱 FOREX - MAJOR CURRENCY PAIRS (CME)
Euro FX / Micro
(6E / M6E) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 07:00 - 14:00 CT 07:00 - 14:00 CT Peak: 07:00-10:00 CT (ECB/EU data), 12:30-14:00 CT (US data). Most traded pair globally (~30% forex volume). ECB policy announcements drive major moves. Avoid: overnight Asian thin.
Japanese Yen / Micro
(6J / M6J) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 19:00 - 07:00 CT 19:00 - 07:00 CT Peak: 20:00-21:00 CT (Tokyo open), 07:00-09:00 CT (Tokyo close). Safe-haven currency; rate differentials key driver. BoJ policy highly influential. Watch: carry trade sentiment shifts.
British Pound / Micro
(6B / M6B) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 07:00 - 14:00 CT 07:00 - 14:00 CT Peak: 07:00-10:00 CT (London overlap), 12:00-14:00 CT (US data). Known as "Cable"; highest volatility of majors. BoE decisions drive moves. Watch: geopolitical overnight surprises.
Swiss Franc / Micro
(6S / M6S) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 07:00 - 14:00 CT 07:00 - 14:00 CT Peak: 07:00-09:00 CT (European data), 12:30-14:00 CT (US data). Safe-haven; appreciates during risk-off. SNB policy & global uncertainty key drivers. Avoid: overnight Asian hours.
Australian Dollar / Micro
(6A / M6A) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 19:00 - 23:00 CT 19:00 - 23:00 CT Peak: 19:00-21:00 CT (Asia opens), 08:00-11:00 CT (US morning). Commodity currency; sensitive to dairy & agricultural exports. RBNZ policy & China demand critical. Lower volume than majors; watch spreads.
🪙 CRYPTOCURRENCY FUTURES (CME)
Bitcoin / Micro
(BTC / MBT) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 24/5 nearly continuous 19:00 - 23:00 CT Peak: 19:00-21:00 CT (Asia opens), 08:00-11:00 CT (US morning data), 13:00-14:00 CT (afternoon). Nearly 24/7 trading; best institutional volume mid-morning CT. Daily break: 16:00-17:00 CT (thin).
Ether / Micro
(ETH / MET) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 24/5 nearly continuous 19:00 - 23:00 CT Peak: 19:00-21:00 CT (Asia volume), 08:00-10:00 CT (US data/sentiment). Follows Bitcoin closely with more volatility. DeFi & smart contract news drives intraday moves. Daily break: 16:00-17:00 CT.
Bitcoin Euro / Micro
(BTC/EUR / MBTEUR) 		Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA 		UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 24/5 nearly continuous 07:00 - 15:00 CT Peak: 07:00-09:00 CT (ECB/Europe data), 13:00-14:00 CT (US morning). Euro-denominated hedge; tracks BTC with FX pair influence. Daily break: 16:00-17:00 CT. Lower volume than USD contracts.

📖 Reference & Best Practices

  • MOC Auction (US Equities): The 15:50-16:00 CT window represents the closing auction period. High algorithmic volume and volatility spikes occur as institutions submit closing order imbalances. Retail traders should avoid initiating new positions 2-5 minutes before close.
  • Regular Trading Hours vs. Full Session: "Regular Trading Hours" shows official pit/electronic session windows when most institutional volume occurs. "Full Session" is 24-hour electronic availability. Best to trade during Regular Trading Hours for optimal liquidity and tight spreads.
  • Agricultural Settlement: CBOT grain futures (ZC, ZS, ZW) and soybean products (ZL, ZM) settle via pit trading at approximately 13:13-13:15 CT. Extreme volatility & order imbalances during settlement; skilled traders only. Electronic overnight sessions very thin.
  • Contract Sizes: Full-size, mini (1/10), and micro (1/50 or 1/100) contracts available for most US equity indices, metals, and currency products. Verify broker availability on Sierra Chart.
  • Recommended vs. Regular Trading Hours: "Regular Trading Hours" = official pit/session window. "Recommended Window" = optimal retail trading period within that session based on volume, spreads, and volatility analysis.
  • DST Transitions: During DST changes (USA: March/November, Europe: March/October), market overlaps shift by one hour. Pay special attention to session boundaries during transition weeks—your recommended times may shift accordingly.
  • Overnight Risk Management: Trading low-liquidity overnight hours (Asian sessions, late night US) can result in wide spreads, slippage, and gap risk on news events. Use wider stops or avoid entirely unless trading a specific fundamental catalyst.
  • Economic Calendar Integration: Peak volume periods align with major releases: US jobs (Friday 08:30 ET), ECB data (Thursday EU mornings), USDA reports (~11:00 AM CT). Plan position sizing & stop placement accordingly.
> Peak: 19:00-21:00 CT (Asia opens), 08:00-11:00 CT (US morning). Commodity currency; sensitive to gold/iron ore prices. RBA policy & China data critical. Follow: commodity moves closely. Canadian Dollar / Micro
(6C / M6C) Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 08:00 - 14:00 CT 08:00 - 14:00 CT Peak: 08:00-10:00 CT (Canadian data), 12:00-14:00 CT (US data). Commodity currency tied to oil prices. BoC policy & Fed decisions key drivers. Correlates with crude. Monitor: energy markets closely. New Zealand Dollar / Micro
(6N / M6N) Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
Chicago, USA UTC -06:00 UTC -05:00 03-09/11-02 Sun 17:00 - Fri 16:00 CT 19:00 - 23:00 CT 19:00 - 23:00 CT

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