CME Gaps Explained in < 2 Min.
- Pat
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
A CME gap refers to a price discontinuity that occurs in the Bitcoin futures market traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).

Here's a breakdown:
Weekend Trading Halt: The CME futures market, unlike spot exchanges, doesn't trade 24/7. It closes during weekends.
Price Discrepancy: During this weekend closure at 4PM CT on Firday, significant news events or market shifts can occur. When trading resumes on Sunday at 5pm CT, the opening price might be significantly different from the previous Friday's closing price, creating a "gap" in the price chart.
Types of CME Gaps:
Gap Up: The opening price on Monday is significantly higher than the previous Friday's closing price.
Gap Down: The opening price on Monday is significantly lower than the previous Friday's closing price.
What CME gaps can indicate:
Market Sentiment:
Gap Up: Suggests strong bullish sentiment and potential for further upward price movement.
Gap Down: Suggests strong bearish sentiment and potential for further downward price movement.
Significant News or Events:
Gaps often occur after significant news events (e.g., regulatory announcements, economic data releases) or unexpected market developments.
These events can drive a sudden shift in market sentiment, leading to a price gap when trading resumes.
Potential for Reversal:
While not always the case, large gaps can sometimes signal a potential reversal in the prevailing trend.
For example, a significant gap up followed by a long upper wick might suggest a temporary exhaustion of the bullish momentum.
Trading Opportunities:
Some traders attempt to capitalize on potential gap fills by entering trades in the direction of the expected price movement.
However, this strategy involves significant risk and should be approached with caution.
Important Considerations:
Market Conditions: The significance of a CME gap can vary depending on market conditions, overall volatility, and the specific asset being traded.
Not All Gaps Are Filled: It's crucial to remember that not all CME gaps are filled.
Risk Management: Trading around gaps involves inherent risks. Always use stop-loss orders to limit potential losses.
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Trading futures involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors.
Always conduct thorough research and consider your own risk tolerance before making any trading decisions.
Post by:
Pat JPS
Founder & Director
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