CME Group plans 24/7 trading for smaller WTI crude and gold futures, pending CFTC approval. The move targets retail and algo traders seeking continuous access.
CME Group said Thursday it will expand 24/7 trading to a new set of smaller-sized crude oil and gold contracts, pending regulatory review from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The new contracts are designed for a narrower notional value than the standard 1,000-barrel WTI futures or 100-troy-ounce gold futures. CME did not specify the exact size or launch date in its announcement.
The exchange already offers around-the-clock trading on several products through its Globex electronic platform. Most commodity futures still observe a weekend trading halt. Adding a full 24/7 schedule to these smaller contracts would allow traders to execute positions during holidays and overnight sessions when standard markets are closed.
CME said the move responds to demand from retail and algorithmic traders who want continuous access to crude oil and gold exposure without the capital commitment of full-sized contracts. The smaller lot sizes also attract hedgers with less volume to cover, such as independent producers or small refiners.
Gold and crude oil are among the most heavily traded commodities globally. The crude oil profile shows daily volumes exceeding 1 million contracts on the standard futures. The new smaller contracts could broaden participation without cannibalising existing liquidity pools, the exchange said in its statement.
CME already lists Micro WTI Futures and Micro Gold Futures. Those trade within regular Globex hours. The new proposal, CME said, would apply a 24/7 schedule to these or similar smaller contracts. The exchange declined to say whether the micro contracts would be replaced or supplemented.
Regulatory approval remains the key variable. The CFTC has historically taken between three and six months to clear new product filings, though emergency designations can shorten that timeline. CME did not provide a guidance window.
The 24/7 trading expansion fits a broader industry move toward continuous markets. Several exchanges have introduced weekend trading for equity index futures and cryptocurrency derivatives. Gold profile notes that spot gold trading already occurs nearly 24 hours a day across London and New York sessions, with Asian hours filling the gap. Futures have lagged on weekend access.
For traders, the main implication is the ability to react to geopolitical events or economic data releases that fall outside regular trading hours without bearing the bid-offer spread of the underlying spot market. CME's new contracts would offer a regulated alternative to over-the-counter products, the exchange said.
CME Group shares trade on the Nasdaq under ticker CME. The stock carries an Alpha Score of 51 out of 100 on AlphaScala's proprietary rating system, a neutral reading. CME stock page has more detail.
The CFTC review has no set deadline. CME said it will disclose the launch date once clearance is received.
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