According to CME Group, the exchange announced plans to expand around-the-clock trading for smaller gold and crude oil futures contracts. The 1-Ounce Gold futures contract will begin continuous 24/7 trading on July 26, while a new 10-Barrel WTI crude oil contract is scheduled to launch on August 30, both pending regulatory approval.
The expansion responds to rising demand from retail and institutional traders seeking constant market access amid geopolitical instability, inflation concerns and commodity price volatility. Derek Sammann, Senior Managing Director of CME's Commodities Markets, stated that traders increasingly require right-sized products available 24/7 to manage exposure whenever news breaks.