CME Sees Strong Demand for 24/7 Gold Futures Trading

The CME Group Inc. successfully launched its 24/7 trading schedule for one-ounce gold futures, which saw strong demand and deep liquidity despite low volatility over the debut weekend.

Nearly 15,000 contracts, representing $60 million in notional value, traded during this period. This was higher than expected, according to Jin Hennig, managing director and global head of metals at CME Group. The exchange's participant mix resembled its existing one-ounce gold customer base, with demand coming primarily from retail investors.

The trading activity was geographically well distributed, with roughly half of the metals trading typically coming from outside US time zones. Hennig stated that the exchange has no current plans to expand around-the-clock trading to other precious metals contracts or larger gold futures, although it would consider doing so if customer demand emerges.