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Trading in the commodity market is distinct from the equity market, not just in terms of products but also in trading hours. Commodities are traded over extended hours and in different sessions, accommodating both domestic and global market movements. For investors and traders, knowing when and what you can trade is crucial for planning entry and exit strategies and managing market risks effectively.
In India, the commodity market operates in two main sessions. The morning session runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the evening session extends from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM during US Daylight Saving Time and up to 11:55 PM otherwise. Agricultural commodities are usually traded only during the morning session, whereas non-agricultural commodities like metals and energy continue into the evening. Some internationally linked agricultural commodities, such as cotton, may trade beyond regular hours, typically until 9:00 PM.
The Indian commodity market is regulated by SEBI and primarily operated through exchanges like:
MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) – Metals, energy, and some agricultural products
NCDEX (National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange) – Primarily agri-commodities
These exchanges offer standardised futures contracts across multiple commodity categories including agriculture, metals, energy, and bullion.
Commodity trading is divided into two sessions:
Morning Session: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Evening Session: 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM (extended till 11:55 PM during daylight saving in the US)
The extended session allows Indian traders to react to international commodity market movements, particularly those listed on the NYMEX and COMEX.
Indian commodity exchanges trade a variety of key commodities, including:
Commodity Segment |
Trading Timings (Mon–Fri) |
|---|---|
Bullion (Gold, Silver) |
9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (11:55 PM during DST) |
Base Metals (Copper, Zinc, etc.) |
9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (11:55 PM during DST) |
Energy (Crude Oil, Natural Gas) |
9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (11:55 PM during DST) |
Agricultural Commodities (NCDEX) |
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Agricultural Commodities (MCX) |
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies) |
Agricultural commodity timings are shorter and generally aligned with domestic market hours.
Commodity timings are influenced by:
Global market correlation: Energy and metals track international exchanges
Market activity hours: Agri commodities are active during local hours
Liquidity: Peak trading hours differ by segment and product
Risk management: Evening sessions absorb global volatility
Commodity markets remain closed on:
Saturdays and Sundays
SEBI-specified trading holidays (often linked to national or religious observances)
Some commodities may remain open for the evening session even if the morning session is closed due to a local holiday.
Timing your trades based on volatility and volume is key for active traders.
Session |
Characteristics |
|---|---|
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
Low volatility; good for entry planning |
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
High activity in agri commodities (closing session) |
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Increased global influence on energy and metals |
9:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
Peak volatility for crude oil and gold due to NYMEX activity |
Evening sessions are ideal for traders who want to align with global cues and volatility in international markets.
Supply and Demand – Availability of commodities versus market consumption.
Weather Conditions – Impact on agricultural yields and production.
Macroeconomic Factors – Inflation, interest rates, and overall economic trends.
Currency Movements – Exchange rate fluctuations affecting global trade.
Geopolitical Events – Conflicts, trade policies, and government regulations.
Live market timings and contract schedules are available on:
https://www.mcxindia.com/
https://www.ncdex.com/
These sites also publish notices about any temporary changes or holiday adjustments.
Global commodity exchanges like NYMEX (for crude oil) and COMEX (for gold) significantly influence prices during the evening trading window in India.
For this reason, the 11:00 PM to 11:30 PM slot is often the most volatile and liquid for energy and bullion segments.
Key timing factors to consider when trading commodities include:
Factor |
Relevance |
|---|---|
Volatility |
Timing trades during volatile sessions can offer opportunities, but also risk |
Liquidity |
Avoid thinly traded hours to minimise slippage |
News Events |
Major economic data releases in the US often coincide with the evening session |
Personal Availability |
Many traders choose evening slots post work hours |
Understanding commodity market timings is essential to optimise trading performance. With extended trading hours, especially for metals and energy, Indian markets allow flexibility for retail traders and professionals alike. By aligning with global market cues, traders can better manage risks and take advantage of price movements during active sessions. Whether you trade during the morning or late at night, time your moves wisely based on the commodity and market conditions.
This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.
No, commodity markets are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
The most active period for crude oil trading is between 9:00 PM and 11:30 PM, aligned with NYMEX trading hours.
On MCX, some agri commodities may be available until 9:00 PM, but on NCDEX they usually close by 5:00 PM.
Evening sessions capture international market movements and often have higher liquidity and volatility.
Commodity trading in India runs from 9:00 AM to 11:30/11:55 PM, with agricultural commodities closing earlier.
Non-agricultural commodities like metals and energy continue trading after equity markets close.
Activity is often higher in the evening session when global markets influence prices.
MCX operates from 9:00 AM to 11:30/11:55 PM, depending on daylight saving adjustments.
No, commodity trading follows set exchange hours and is not available round the clock.
Risks include price volatility, global market shifts, policy changes, currency moves, and weather impacts.
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