If you’re trading DAX futures, timing matters. Understanding DAX futures trading hours helps you plan better entries, manage risk, and take advantage of high-volume periods. Both the Eurex and CME exchanges offer access to DAX futures—each with different session windows.
This post covers the complete open and close times, including session breakdowns, time zones, and the best times to trade.
DAX Futures Exchanges
| Exchange | Product | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Eurex | Full-size FDAX & Mini FDXM | FDAX / FDXM |
| CME | Micro DAX Futures | FDAX (CME) |
Eurex DAX Futures Trading Hours (Germany Time – CET/CEST)
| Session | Time (CET) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Open | 01:00 – 01:10 |
| Main Trading | 01:10 – 22:00 |
| Post-Trading Full | 22:00 – 22:30 |
| Post-Trading Late | 22:30 – 01:00 (next day) |
🕐 Total available trading time: ~23 hours/day
🟢 Peak volume: 09:00 – 17:30 CET (regular European cash session)
CME Micro DAX Trading Hours (U.S. Central Time – CT)
| Session | Time (CT) |
|---|---|
| Open (Sunday) | 5:00 PM CT (Sunday) |
| Daily Open | 5:00 PM CT (Mon–Thu) |
| Close (next day) | 4:00 PM CT |
| Maintenance Break | 4:00 – 5:00 PM CT (Mon–Fri) |
🟢 Trading available 23 hours/day, 6 days a week
🌍 Ideal for non-European traders needing extended access
Key Time Zone Conversions
| Region | Eurex Trading Hours |
|---|---|
| India (IST) | 5:40 AM – 2:30 AM (next day) |
| US (EST) | 7:10 PM – 4:00 PM |
| UK (GMT) | 12:10 AM – 9:00 PM |
⏰ Convert hours based on daylight savings time (CET ↔ CEST)
Best Times to Trade DAX Futures
| Time Slot | Reason |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 12:00 CET | European cash market opens (high volume) |
| 14:30 CET | U.S. market open impact |
| 16:00 – 17:30 CET | DAX volatility into cash close |
| Post-close session (light) | Avoid unless news-based trading |
Avoid low liquidity periods (22:30–01:00 CET) unless using specific breakout strategies.
Tips for Global Traders
- Adjust your local time to align with Eurex/CME schedules
- Use economic calendars to anticipate volatile hours
- Set alerts for key opening ranges and closing volatility
Final Thoughts
Knowing when DAX futures open and close is crucial for timing trades, avoiding slippage, and catching high-momentum moves. Whether you trade on Eurex or CME, plan around the market’s most active sessions and adjust your strategy to fit the time-based behavior of the DAX.
FAQs
1. Are DAX futures available 24/7?
No, but they are available nearly 23 hours a day, with a short maintenance break.
2. What’s the best time to day trade DAX futures?
09:00 – 12:00 CET (European open) and 14:30 CET (U.S. open).
3. Can I trade DAX futures on weekends?
No. Trading resumes on Sunday evening (U.S. time) via CME.
4. Do Eurex and CME DAX futures have the same hours?
No, they follow different regional time zones but offer similar access windows.
5. Do trading hours change with daylight saving?
Yes. Check Eurex and CME calendars for DST adjustments.
