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Commodity Market Timings

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What is the Commodity Market

The commodity market is a platform where raw materials or primary goods are bought and sold. These include physical goods like gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas, agricultural produce, and metals. Commodities are traded either in spot markets, where the transaction is immediate, or in derivatives markets through futures and options contracts. The purpose is not just physical exchange but also to hedge risks and speculate on price movements.

In India, commodity trading is regulated by SEBI and conducted through recognised exchanges like MCX and NCDEX. These markets provide transparency, price discovery, and a structured environment for traders, investors, and producers. By allowing participants to lock in prices for future delivery, the commodity market plays a vital role in reducing uncertainty and promoting stability in the supply chain.

The commodity market allows traders and investors to buy and sell raw materials, metals, and agricultural products. It operates within fixed hours, making it important for traders to plan their transactions accordingly. In India, commodity trading takes place in two sessions: the morning session runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the evening session is from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM or 11:55 PM, depending on the commodity. Knowing these timings helps traders make better investment decisions and manage their trades efficiently.

Commodity Market Timing in India

Similar to the stock market, the commodity market's timings also function through the entirety of the workweek, i.e. Monday to Friday. Weekends i.e. Saturdays and Sundays are holidays and so are any other predetermined holidays that have been announced by the exchanges.

Since all these details are provided to the commodity market participants beforehand, it ensures that the traders plan their trades keeping in mind any breaks that might come in between during trading.    

Trading Timing of Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX)

The Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. or MCX  is one of the leading commodity exchanges in India. With MCX, traders can buy and sell several commodities like agricultural assets, precious and base metals as well as energy commodities. Listed below are its trading hours according to the different segments: 

  • Opening time: 9:00 AM

  • Closing time: 11.30 PM

There are two main sessions in MCX, namely morning and evening. Listed below are their specific timings as well:

  • Morning session: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

  • Evening session: 05:00 PM to 11:30/11:55 PM 

When it comes to internationally linked agricultural commodities, traders can buy and sell them between 5:00 PM to 9:00/9:30 PM.

Ideal Time for Commodity Trading

Choosing the right time to trade is essential for success in the commodity market. Prices are influenced by global events, trading volume, and market overlaps. While the market is open for long hours in India, not all timings offer the same level of liquidity or opportunity. Understanding session-specific trends can help traders optimise entry and exit points.

Below are key timeframes and sessions that shape commodity trading behaviour in India:

Normal Trading Hours

Commodity exchanges in India operate throughout the day, offering distinct sessions for agricultural and non-agricultural products. These hours allow investors to respond to domestic and international market cues.

  • Weekday operation: Trading is available from Monday to Friday.
  • Agricultural commodities: Trade between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Non-agricultural commodities: Trade continues until 11:30 PM or 11:55 PM depending on the product.
  • MCX and NCDEX: Follow similar timings with minor differences based on commodity type.

Pre-market Session

While equities in India offer a defined pre-market window, commodity markets do not have an official pre-opening session. However, the early morning period is still useful for planning.

  • No formal trading: Commodity markets do not conduct pre-market trades.
  • Used for preparation: Traders utilise this time to analyse international price movements, check news updates, and finalise strategy before markets open.

Muhurat Trading Session

Held once a year, the Muhurat trading session is symbolic and culturally significant. It marks the beginning of a new financial year for many investors and is associated with wealth and prosperity.

  • Conducted on Diwali: Usually for one hour in the evening, with timings announced by exchanges.
  • Symbolic trades: Most investors participate for tradition, placing small or fresh investments.
  • Not for active trading: The session is considered ceremonial and is less about profit and more about beginning anew.

Commodity Market Holidays

As already discussed, the commodity market, like the stock market, remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays. However, apart from this, there are specific, pre-defined days when the commodity market is closed. Listed below are these holidays. 

Holiday

Date

Morning session 

Evening session

Republic Day

January 26

Closed 

Closed 

Holi

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Open

Ram Navami

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed

Open

Mahavir Jayanti/Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Open 

Good Friday

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Closed 

Ambedkar Jayanti

April 14

Closed 

Open

Maharashtra Day

May 1

Closed 

Open

Bakri Eid

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Open 

Independence Day

August 15, 2023

Closed 

Closed 

Ganesh Chathurthi

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Open

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

October 2

Closed

Closed

Dussehra

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Open

Diwali Balipratipada

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Open

Gurunanak Jayanti

Date announced before its occurrence

Closed 

Open 

Christmas

December 25

Closed 

Closed

Apart from these holidays, most gazetted holidays are also taken to be as holidays by the exchanges. 

Similar to the stock market, MCX also organises Muhurat trading on Diwali. The trading window on this day opens for just one hour and the rest of the day is a holiday. The timing for the Muhurat trading is announced beforehand. 

Commodity Market Timing in India 

Let us have a look at the breakdown of the morning and evening session timings to help traders understand when they can buy and sell commodities.

Morning session:

  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

  • During this time, traders and investors can place orders for various commodities like bullion, base metals, and energy commodities. 

Evening session:

  • 5:00 PM to 11:30/11:55 PM. 

  • Similar to the morning session, traders and investors place orders for various commodities like bullion, base metals, and energy commodities

  • International traders who want to place orders on agricultural goods can buy or sell them till 9:00/9:30 PM. 

It is important to remember that the evening session timings are changed two times a year. This is done to match the beginning and end of daylight saving in the US. So, keeping that in mind, the evening sessions in summer end at 11:30 PM while the evening sessions in winter end at 11:55 PM.  

Read Also: What are Futures and Options?

Factors Influencing Commodity Market Timings in India 

Though the timings of the commodity market are fixed, certain factors can affect them. Here is a list of some of them:

  • Fluctuations in Global Supply and Demand 

Certain geopolitical events might trigger the global supply and demand for commodities to fluctuate. This can lead to extended trade timings to help meet any potential increase in market activity.

  • Market Regulations: 

Since the trading hours of the commodity market in India are governed by market regulations, any changes in them can affect the market timing. These regulations are in place to ensure that the entire process of trading is fair and transparent.  

  • Differences in Time Zones: 

The commodity market is accessible across the globe, the time zone differences can end up impacting the trading hours. 

  • Economic and Political Events: 

Any policy changes or even natural disasters that affect a commodity-producing area can lead to market volatility which can further result in adjustments in trading hours.

Read Also: Volume in the Share Market

Best Time for Commodity Trading   

Even though the commodity market timings are fixed, there are particular time frames within these times that might prove to be particularly beneficial for traders to buy and sell 

  • Opening Hour Advantage: 

Since the first few hours of the market’s functioning there is high liquidity, conducting trades during these hours can be more favourable. 

  • Overlapping Trading Sessions: 

When commodity trading hours overlap trading sessions, it can be quite beneficial for investors. For example, when Asian and European markets coincide, there can be an increased market activity in specific commodities. 

  • Volatile Periods: 

The commodity market is more volatile than the stock market. However, when done right, you can use this volatility to your advantage as it brings with it significant price movements. 

Can MCX Change the Holidays or Timings?  

MCX has the authority to alter or introduce new holidays. This is to be done by issuing separate circulars. 

MCX or the Multi-commodity Exchange provides traders and investors with a platform to control their online trades, helps control the risks associated with them and helps with the settlement and clearing of commodity derivative trades. 

Conclusion  

The timings of the commodity market are flexible and this makes trading in the commodity market easy for traders from across the globe to buy and sell securities. However, just because of the flexibility, traders cannot overlook the research that needs to go into figuring out how commodity trading works. To utilize the versatility of the commodity market timing and the inherent volatility of the market, traders must do due diligence.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the trading hours for the commodity market in India?

Answer Field

Morning session:

  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Evening session:

  • 5:00 PM to 11:30/11:55 PM.

Is the commodity market open on weekends?

Answer Field

No. Like the stock market, the commodity market is closed on the weekend

Do commodity market holidays differ between MCX and NCDEX?

Answer Field

No, they are the same, more or less.

Is MCX allowed to modify trading holidays?

Answer Field

Yes, MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange of India) can revise trading holidays when required. This usually happens due to government notifications, public emergencies, or special circumstances. Any changes are officially communicated in advance through circulars to maintain clarity for all market participants.

Does the commodity market have pre-opening and post-closing sessions?

Answer Field

In India, commodity exchanges like MCX do not follow a separate pre-opening or post-closing session. Trading starts and ends as per standard session hours announced by the exchange. Price discovery and trade execution take place only during these fixed trading hours.

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Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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