Dubai: The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) announced yesterday that it will start permitting members to report transactions negotiated after the close of trading at 11.30pm Dubai time, with effect from February 1.

This move is expected to enable market participants to trade and hedge risk beyond regular electronic trading hours,

The facility, known as post-close-of-trading (PCT) transactions, will allow members to execute and report a trade after the market has closed and before the market is open for trading on the next business day. It will be available for all contracts listed for trading on the Exchange, including futures, options and spread contracts.

Members participating in the PCT negotiate the terms and conditions bilaterally, including the futures price and quantity.

The request is subsequently submitted to the Exchange through the Clearing Member.

"The new facility is aimed at increasing accessibility for local and international participants, so that they can benefit from a regulated and centrally cleared marketplace for trades executed after electronic trading market hours," said Eric Hasham, chief executive officer, DGCX.

Volatility

"The step is designed to allow members to hedge against volatility in the OTC markets post close-of-trading on DGCX.

"The post-close-of-trading facility is yet another step in adding value to participants in terms of risk management, convenience and flexibility," he said.