May 21, 2012

CME Group announces measures on CBOT grain, oilseed trading hours

In order to help farmers, ranchers and commercial market participants prepare to transition to expanded electronic trading hours, CME Group has announced measures for CBOT grain and oilseed futures and options on CME Globex.

CME Group will now offer expanded market access to a variety of CBOT futures and options 21 hours per day, pending CFTC certification.

"What sets CME Group apart is our close working relationship with the grain industry, who have made our grain and oilseed futures the benchmark risk management products," said Tim Andriesen, Managing director, Agricultural Commodities and Alternative Investments, CME Group. "That's why, in response to significant feedback for this customer segment, we're further amending CBOT grain and oilseed trading hours to 5 p.m. to 2 p.m. CT Sunday through Friday. They have clearly communicated that these hours best meet their risk management needs."

These measures are in part the result of collaboration between CME Group, the National Grain and Feed Association and the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) to address these changes and help the grain industry prepare for the transition.

CME Group exchanges offer a range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes, including futures and options based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural commodities, metals, weather and real estate.