There are two specific time periods for futures that offer the best opportunity based on volatility. The first being 8 AM – 12 PM EST. which covers most major U.S. economic releases, the (6E) Euro FX futures, (CL) Crude Oil futures, and (GC) Gold futures pit opens, the U.S. cash open and the London close. The second best time to trade is 2 AM – 5 AM EST which covers the London open.