CMC Markets Launches Weekend Gold Trading, Following 24/5 US Shares Access

WHY THIS MATTERS
Trading is steadily moving toward an always-on model, driven by global participation, macro volatility, and the rise of retail investors who expect access outside traditional market hours. Gold, as a core hedging asset, is particularly sensitive to geopolitical events and macroeconomic shifts that often occur when underlying markets are closed.

CMC Markets’ weekend gold product addresses a long-standing gap by allowing traders to manage risk continuously, rather than waiting for markets to reopen. This is especially relevant in today’s environment, where unexpected events over weekends can lead to sharp price movements and gaps at market open.

The broader trend is clear. With extended hours for US equities and now near-continuous access to gold, the boundaries of traditional trading sessions are breaking down. For traders, this means more flexibility and better risk management. For platforms, it raises the bar in terms of pricing, liquidity provision, and infrastructure resilience outside standard hours.

CMC Markets (“CMC”), a FTSE 250 company and global leader in multi-asset online trading and investing for retail, professional and institutional clients, has launched a new weekend gold trading (Gold – Weekend) product for spread betting and CFDs.  

This product provides continuous access to gold markets, even when the underlying spot and futures markets are closed. It is designed for those seeking uninterrupted access to global markets. 

The launch follows the rollout of 24/5 trading on US stocks and ETFs, with around 250 equities currently available for spread betting and CFD trading outside standard market hours, with further expansion planned.  

This strengthens CMC’s offering for traders using gold as a core hedging and risk-management instrument, enabling them to manage exposure when the underlying markets are closed. 

Together, these developments enhance CMC Markets’ multi-asset offering, giving clients greater flexibility and more meaningful access to global markets. 

Laurence Booth, Global Head of Markets, CMC Markets, said:  

“This launch reflects our focus on giving clients access to markets when it matters most.” 

“By introducing 24/7 gold trading and expanding access to US equities during extended hours, we’re reducing time constraints and giving traders greater control and flexibility in fast-moving global markets.” 

FF NEWS TAKE
This is another step toward 24/7 trading becoming the norm rather than the exception. Crypto markets set the expectation, and now traditional asset classes are gradually catching up.

Gold is a logical place to push this forward. It is one of the most globally traded assets and plays a central role in hedging strategies. Giving traders the ability to act in real time, even when underlying markets are closed, is a meaningful upgrade.

However, the real challenge sits beneath the surface. Pricing and liquidity in off-market hours are not the same as during active sessions. Platforms need to ensure spreads, execution quality, and risk controls remain robust, otherwise the benefit of access could be offset by poorer trading conditions.

Overall, this move reinforces a clear direction of travel. Markets are becoming continuous, and platforms that can support that shift reliably will have a strong competitive edge.