Futures Trading Hours and the End-of-Day Rule
When equity index futures trade, when the daily break happens, and how the end-of-day flatten rule works at Strike Funded (positions closed before 4:55 PM ET).
Updated 2026-10-16 ยท 4 min read
When futures trade
CME Globex equity index futures trade nearly around the clock: from Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET, with a daily 60-minute maintenance break from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET. The "trading day" ends at 5:00 PM ET and the next one starts at 6:00 PM ET. Holidays shorten or close sessions; check the CME Group calendar.
The end-of-day rule at Strike Funded
All positions must be closed before 4:55 PM ET, five minutes ahead of the 5:00 PM ET close of the trading day. It applies to evaluation and funded accounts, and includes working orders. Strike Funded does not close positions for you: an account that still holds a position after 4:55 PM ET is closed like any other breach, and we email you exactly what happened. Set an alarm for 4:45 PM ET.
Platform maintenance windows
Short maintenance windows at the execution partner (weekdays, about 5:20 to 5:45 PM ET) are normal. If the status page is green and something still looks wrong, open a ticket from your dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
When do futures markets close?
Equity index futures on CME Globex pause daily from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET and close Friday at 5:00 PM ET until Sunday 6:00 PM ET.
What is the end-of-day rule?
At Strike Funded all positions must be closed before 4:55 PM ET. An account holding a position after that time is closed like any other breach.
Can I hold positions overnight at Strike Funded?
No. Positions must be flat before 4:55 PM ET every trading day.
Keep reading
Strike Funded accounts are simulated: no personal capital is placed at risk and no live market execution takes place. Trading futures involves substantial risk; this page is educational, not financial advice, and nothing here promises results.