NQ Futures Trading Hours in Indian Time (IST)
Traders in India who follow Nasdaq-100 futures need to know the exact NQ futures trading hours in IST. Understanding the schedule helps in timing your trades, especially during high-volatility sessions.
In this guide, we’ll convert the official CME trading hours into Indian Standard Time and explain which sessions are most active.
Official Trading Hours (CME Globex)
NQ futures trade on the CME Globex platform, which operates nearly 23 hours a day from Sunday evening to Friday evening (U.S. time).
- Sunday to Friday
- Trading Opens: 6:00 PM EST (U.S. Time)
- Trading Closes: 5:00 PM EST (next day)
- Daily Maintenance Break: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST
NQ Futures Trading Hours in IST
| Session Type | U.S. Time (EST) | Indian Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Opens (Sun) | 6:00 PM Sunday | 4:30 AM Monday |
| Daily Start (Mon–Fri) | 6:00 PM | 4:30 AM next day |
| Daily Close | 5:00 PM | 3:30 AM next day |
| Maintenance Break | 5:00–6:00 PM | 3:30–4:30 AM IST |
Best Time to Trade from India
Some of the most active periods in the NQ futures market, when volume and volatility are highest, are:
- U.S. Market Open (IST: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Highest activity as Wall Street opens - Economic Releases (IST: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Major U.S. data releases affect NQ volatility - Late Night Session (IST: 11:30 PM – 2:00 AM)
Useful for swing trade monitoring and overnight setups
Holiday Closures
The CME observes U.S. holidays. During these days, NQ futures may have early closes or full-day shutdowns. Always check the CME holiday calendar for updates.
Tips for Indian Traders
- Use alert systems for major U.S. news releases
- Trade during high-volume U.S. sessions for better execution
- Be cautious of the 3:30–4:30 AM maintenance hour
- Adjust your strategy for low-volume pre-market hours
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FAQs
1. What time does NQ futures open in IST?
NQ futures open at 4:30 AM IST from Monday to Friday.
2. When is the best time to trade NQ from India?
The most active trading hours are between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM IST.
3. Is NQ futures available during the day in India?
Yes, it is available almost 23 hours a day, including early morning and daytime sessions.
4. What happens during the CME maintenance hour?
There is a 1-hour pause in trading each day from 3:30 to 4:30 AM IST.
5. Do Indian holidays affect NQ futures trading?
No. NQ futures follow the U.S. trading calendar and are unaffected by Indian holidays.
