CFTC extends review of 24/7 oil futures trading

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has extended its review period for continuous oil futures trading by 30 days, creating an obstacle for CME Group's plan to launch a 24/7 WTI crude futures contract as early as next month. The agency announced on Thursday that it would delay the comment deadline until August 26, following extensive industry conversations. This decision comes just days before CME's planned August 30 launch of a smaller WTI crude futures contract intended for 24/7 availability. The CFTC had previously intervened to block CME from self-certifying the contract, citing the need for a thorough review. If approved, the new WTI contract, equivalent to 10 barrels of crude, would be the first 24/7 energy futures contract in the US, allowing trading around the clock. Oil companies and industry lobbyists have voiced concerns to the CFTC regarding the implications of 24/7 trading, including the necessity of round-the-clock trading desk staffing, potential for increased volatility, and a possible detachment from market fundamentals. The American Fuels and Petrochemicals Manufacturers, a refinery group, specifically requested the comment deadline extension. As part of the extension, the CFTC has posed new questions, inquiring whether continuous trading could incentivize traders to manipulate prices over weekends to influence underlying benchmark prices. The agency also requested specific comments on CME's proposed contract and what concrete steps the industry would need to take to support 24/7 trading.