"Knowing when futures trade" enables reacting to central bank decisions abroad. Futures open Sunday evenings, so traders can price in rate changes before equity markets officially open. MORE: Mac Jones reveals how many bananas he ate on the 49ers sideline Control a larger notional value for less money and reduce margin requirements >80% when trading metal contracts in one exchange. For index speculators, "When do futures trade?" marks the start of potential overnight profit zones. E-mini Dow futures begin Sunday nights, letting traders navigate Asian economic releases that ripple into U.S. equity valuations.