My understanding is that NYMEX closed all the open trading pits in 2015. However, why is the volume still highest during those hours, for example 9:30AM - 2PM EST for QM/CL?
Are you suggesting that the former is stronger than the latter? B/C from what I see, even if there is a strong volume spoke at the end, there is still a sharp drop off in volume at 2...
The "habit" is that big commercials and large specs have for decades traded large size during NYC prime time trading hours, and you are seeing a continuation of that routine on the screen. Exact same can be said for interest rate futures.