ES hours in EST

I'm trying to understand e-mini S&P trading hours in EST.

OK, regular DAY hours would be 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM (CLOSED)

then, reopens @ 4:30 PM, but closes again @ 5:30 PM, then reopens @ 6:00 PM [then closes @ 4:15 PM next day].

I do not plan holding "overnight" positions. I will close my positions before 4:15 PM. Now, if these hours are correct, would it be in my best interest to place "new" trades after 6:00 PM and avoid the 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM hour altogether? thx

Also, is placing a trade between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, and holding till +6:00 PM, considered holding overnight in terms of margin? thx

 

My understanding is that if you get out of the ES futures contracts at 4:14 pm, you can get back in at 4:31 pm and you are not considered to have the position "overnight."

 

thx, much appreciated Fishaman

 

Depends on your futures broker. Many futures brokers consider any ES position opened after 16:15 and before 09:30 EST to be overnight and require overnight margin.

 

Derek,

I guess the safest thing to do would be to shoot your futures broker a phone call or email and ask him these questions.

Best,

Fishaman