The phrase “when do futures open” also applies to volatility products. VIX futures open Sunday 6:00 PM ET, and initial moves often set the tone for hedging demand in the week ahead, particularly before key Fed or inflation data. Thousands of older Americans believe paving their own path — opening a business, working as a freelancer , or taking on independent contracting projects — is their best option for financial success and a sense of purpose. Among the nearly 550,000 Americans working at 80 and older, about 27% are self-employed, in line with the overall percentage of the US population, according to a Business Insider analysis of Census Bureau data. "U.S. equity index futures held to a quiet, range-bound trade for most of the night but have come under renewed selling pressure as U.S. traders begin to get involved in the market," John Canavan, lead U.S. stock analyst for Oxford Economics, said in a research note. "The Treasury bid has remained solid, however, and yields are holding near the lows of the night ahead of the open." “When do futures open” impacts pre-market sentiment significantly. Since S&P 500 and Dow E-mini contracts start late Sunday, big macro events over the weekend—like central bank announcements—are immediately factored into futures pricing, providing an early gauge for Monday’s equity market direction.