CMC Markets Launches Weekend Gold CFDs, Expands Extended Hours Trading

CMC Markets (LSE: CMCX) has launched a weekend gold CFD product, allowing spread betting and CFD clients to trade the precious metal when spot and futures markets are closed. The product, listed as "Gold - Weekend," targets traders seeking hedging and risk management flexibility. Laurence Booth, Global Head of Markets at CMC Markets, stated the move aims to reduce time constraints for clients in fast-moving global markets.

The launch coincides with a significant rally in gold prices, which have risen from around $2,640 at the start of 2025 to test levels above $5,500. Several brokers, including CMC and IG, have raised maintenance margins for gold as the rally tested industry risk management systems. CMC is not the first to offer weekend gold access; LMAX Group added gold to its perpetual futures platform in February 2026, while GCEX launched similar products earlier this year.

CMC's weekend gold offering is part of a broader strategy to extend market access. The broker recently rolled out 24/5 trading on approximately 250 US shares and ETFs, with plans for further expansion. Other brokers, including STARTRADER, Pepperstone, IG, BlackBull Markets, and Deriv, have also extended trading hours for US share CFDs. Data from eToro indicates roughly one-third of its stock trading now occurs outside traditional market hours.

The firm continues to expand its multi-asset capabilities. In March, CMC began using J.P. Morgan's Kinexys blockchain for 24/7 cash settlement and partnered with Upvest for multi-currency stocks and ETFs in Germany. CMC is also pursuing regulatory permissions in Singapore to enter the physical precious metals market.