When do futures trade? Nearly round-the-clock sessions mean traders can deploy hedges against sudden policy changes in foreign economies, adjusting equity exposure before regular stock markets respond. The government shutdown, rather than signaling newfound uncertainty for investors, appears to be viewed as a continuation of the year's policy-related volatility, which ultimately resolved itself positively for investors. Mitigate counterparty credit risk in a centrally cleared, CFTC-regulated marketplace. When do futures trade? The answer drives hedge fund positioning. For instance, E-mini S&P futures can reflect PMI or inflation data from Europe at 3:00 AM ET, affecting U.S. market open direction hours before equities begin trading.