uTrade AlgosCommodity trading is a risky venture where precision and timing are crucial for growth. The volatility of commodity prices demands that traders not only understand the market dynamics but also know the optimal timing for entering and exiting trades. However, commodity markets do not follow the same trading hours as stock markets. Understanding these market hours and the behaviour of prices during specific times can give traders an edge.
Key Trading Sessions for Indian Markets
In India, MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) operates across different trading windows:
Normal Trading Hours
- Agricultural Commodities: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Non-Agricultural Commodities: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM (with Daylight Saving Time or DST) or 9:00 AM to 11:55 PM (without DST)
These hours might vary slightly depending on the specific commodity being traded.
Pre-Market Session
- Duration: 8:45 AM to 8:59 AM (14 minutes)
- During this short session, traders can cancel pending orders before the market opens. This session is exclusive to MCX.
Muhurat Trading Session
- Occasion: Diwali
- Time: 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM (Subject to change on a yearly basis)
- This special one-hour session is believed to be auspicious for traders and investors.
Successful commodity trading requires more than just understanding the market—timing your trades is critical. By being aware of key market hours, you can make informed decisions and capitalise on the best trading windows.