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The commodity market plays a crucial role in the economic landscape of any country, facilitating the trading of raw materials and primary agricultural products. In India, the commodity market operates through various exchanges, and understanding the timings of these markets is essential for traders and investors. This article explores the commodity market timings in India, shedding light on the trading hours and the significance of each session.
Key Takeaways
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Commodity markets in India operate Monday to Friday through morning and evening sessions.
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Timings differ slightly depending on commodity categories and worldwide daylight saving time adjustments.
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Holidays and special sessions, such as Muhurat trading, influence market availability.
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Effective entry, exit, and strategy planning is made possible for traders by an understanding of session behaviour.
What is the Commodity Market Timing in India?
India's commodity markets operate according to a set schedule that is intended to coincide with both local and international trading activity.
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Trading is open Monday to Friday, while Saturdays and Sundays remain closed.
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The market operates in two main sessions:
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Morning session: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Evening session: 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM or 11:55 PM
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Twice a year, the evening session's closing time is adjusted to reflect worldwide daylight saving time.
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The list of annual trading holidays is released by exchanges ahead of time, enabling traders to clearly plan their entries, exits, and strategies.
Ideal Time for Commodity Trading
The ideal time to trade commodities depends on liquidity, volatility, and the level of global market participation.
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The morning session (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) is generally preferred for stable, steady price movements. Many traders use this window to build or adjust positions because market activity is consistent and easier to track.
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The evening session (5:00 PM to 11:30 PM/11:55 PM) often witnesses higher volatility since it overlaps with international markets. Commodities like gold, crude oil, and base metals usually see more active price swings during this time.
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While those seeking gradual trends might concentrate on the morning session, traders who rely on momentum or short-term movements frequently favour the evening hours.
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Knowing these timing patterns makes it easier for traders to choose entry and exit points and modify their strategies in response to changes in the market.
Multi-Commodity Exchange (MCX)
The Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX) is one of the leading commodity exchanges in the country. It offers a platform for trading various commodities, including precious metals, base metals, energy, and agricultural commodities. The trading hours for different segments on MCX are as follows:
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Opening time: 9:00 AM
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Closing time: 11.30 PM
MCX market timing is divided into morning and evening sessions.
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Morning session: 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Evening session: 05:00 PM to 11:30/11:55 PM
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Internationally linked agricultural items are traded between 5:00 PM to 9:00/9:30 PM.
Segregation of MCX trading time based on commodity categories:
|
Commodity type |
Trade start time |
Trade closing time (after the beginning of daylight saving in the US in spring) |
Trade closing time (after the end of daylight saving in the US in spring) |
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Internationally referenced non-agriculture commodities |
9:00 AM |
11:30 PM |
11:55 PM |
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Trade modification |
|
11:45 PM |
11:59 PM |
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Position limit/collateral value set-up/ cut-off end time |
|
11:45 PM |
11:59 PM |
Commodity Market Holidays
The commodity market remains closed every Saturday and Sunday. Apart from weekly holidays, exchanges announce specific trading holidays during which the market is partially or fully closed. Morning and evening sessions may differ depending on the holiday. The updated table below reflects only the session status, as requested.
Holiday-wise Trading Session Availability
|
Holiday / Occasion |
Morning Session (09:00–17:00) |
Evening Session (17:00–23:30/11:55) |
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New Year Day |
Open |
Closed |
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Mahashivratri |
Closed |
Open |
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Holi |
Closed |
Open |
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Id-ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid) |
Closed |
Open |
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Shri Mahavir Jayanti |
Closed |
Open |
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Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti |
Closed |
Open |
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Good Friday |
Closed |
Closed |
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Maharashtra Day |
Closed |
Open |
|
Independence Day |
Closed |
Closed |
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Ganesh Chaturthi |
Closed |
Open |
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Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti / Dussehra |
Closed |
Closed |
|
Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) * |
Closed |
Closed (Muhurat trading – special session) |
|
Diwali – Balipratipada |
Closed |
Open |
|
Guru Nanak Jayanti |
Closed |
Open |
|
Christmas |
Closed |
Closed |
A special one-hour Muhurat trading session is held on Diwali each year. Timings are announced separately by the exchange.
Holidays that fall on weekends are not listed, as the market remains closed on those days by default.
Trading Hours for Major Commodity Exchanges
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Major commodity exchanges in India follow structured trading windows that align with both domestic activity and global market movements.
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Most commodities trade from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with the closing time extending to 11:55 PM when global daylight saving changes apply.
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Agricultural commodities typically follow shorter hours, while metals and energy products remain available for extended evening trading.
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These schedules help traders participate effectively across international market cycles.
Factors Influencing Commodity Market Timings
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Global Supply and Demand: Fluctuations in global supply and demand, triggered by events like geopolitical tensions, can prompt extended trading hours to meet increased market activity.
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Market Regulations: Trading hours are governed by market regulations to ensure fairness and transparency, providing all traders with equal market access.
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Time Zone Differences: The global nature of commodity markets means that time zone variations impact trading hours, reflecting the international scope of trading.
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Economic and Political Events: Policy changes or natural disasters in commodity-producing regions can introduce volatility, prompting adjustments to trading hours.
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Seasonal Demand: Seasonal fluctuations in demand, especially for agricultural commodities during planting and harvesting seasons, can influence changes in trading hours.
Best Time for Commodity Trading
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Opening Hour Advantage: Trading in the first few hours after the market opens is favourable due to high liquidity. This makes it easier to execute trades and manage positions effectively.
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Overlapping Trading Sessions: Look for opportunities during overlapping trading sessions, such as when Asian and European markets coincide. This can increase activity in specific commodities like gold and crude oil.
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Volatile Periods as Opportunities: Embrace market volatility, as it often brings more significant price movements. Take advantage of these fluctuations to make strategic trading decisions. For example, periods of geopolitical uncertainty can impact commodity prices, creating opportunities for traders.
Can MCX Change the Holidays or Timings?
MCX is given the authority to change, alter, or introduce new holidays. They will declare those by issuing separate circulars.
MCX stands for Multi-Commodity Exchange and gives traders a comprehensive trading platform when they first register, where they can control online trading, risk control, settlement and clearing of commodity derivative trades.
The MCX commodity trading time and holidays are declared in advance to help traders plan their trades carefully. MCX trading holidays comprise national and regional holidays, and the morning session remains closed during all these holidays. Please check the list above to know whether the evening session will remain closed.
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Conclusion
Understanding commodity trading timings is essential for making well-planned and timely trading decisions. Since the market operates across morning and evening sessions, traders can choose hours that match their strategies, liquidity needs, and risk preferences. Factors such as global market overlaps, seasonal trends, and volatility patterns also influence price movements throughout the day. By staying aware of trading windows and session-specific behaviour, traders can better manage entries, exits, and overall market participation.
