Trading Hours
Understanding global market sessions is crucial for maximizing liquidity, minimizing spreads, and timing your trades effectively across different instruments.
Forex Market Hours
The foreign exchange market operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, from Sunday 22:00 UTC to Friday 22:00 UTC. Unlike stock markets, Forex never sleeps during weekdays as trading passes between major financial centers around the globe.
Important Note
All times are in UTC. During Daylight Saving Time (DST) periods, session times may shift by approximately 1 hour. Check your platform for exact local times.
Major Trading Sessions
Times are approximate and shown in UTC. DST can shift sessions by ~1 hour.
| Session | Open (UTC) | Close (UTC) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 21:00 | 06:00 | Quiet start, AUD/JPY activity, lower volatility |
| Tokyo | 23:00 | 08:00 | Asian focus, JPY pairs active, moderate volatility |
| London | 07:00 | 16:00 | High liquidity, EUR/GBP dominance, tight spreads |
| New York | 12:00 | 21:00 | USD strength, high volume, major news releases |
Session Overlaps: Peak Trading Times
London-New York Overlap
12:00 - 16:00 UTC
The most active period with high liquidity, typically tighter spreads, and higher volatility. Ideal for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and Gold trading.
Tokyo-London Overlap
07:00 - 08:00 UTC
Shorter but significant for Asian currency pairs. Good liquidity for USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, and GBP/JPY trading.
Rollover Time & Spread Considerations
Daily rollover occurs at 22:00 UTC (New York close). During this period:
- Spreads may widen temporarily
- Swap charges/credits are applied to overnight positions
- Lower liquidity for 10-15 minutes around rollover
- Consider closing positions before rollover if holding short-term trades
Tip: Plan your position sizing and risk management around these timing considerations.
Instrument-Specific Trading Hours
Stock Indices
Indices like S&P 500, NASDAQ follow their underlying market hours. US indices: 14:30-21:00 UTC, European indices vary by exchange.
Stock CFDs
Individual stocks follow their home exchange hours. Extended hours available for major US stocks.
Commodities
Gold and oil trade nearly 24/5, with brief daily breaks. Agricultural products have more restricted hours.
Always check the contract specifications in your MT4/MT5 platform for exact trading hours of specific instruments.
Holidays & Market Closures
Market hours can be affected by national holidays and special events:
- Major holidays (Christmas, New Year) may close markets entirely
- National holidays affect specific currency pairs (e.g., US holidays impact USD pairs)
- Early market closes may occur before long weekends
- Liquidity drops significantly during holiday periods
Stay updated with our holiday trading hours announcements for specific dates and affected instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Forex really open 24 hours?
Yes, Forex markets operate 24 hours during weekdays, from Sunday 22:00 UTC to Friday 22:00 UTC. Trading moves between major financial centers as the world rotates.
When do spreads widen the most?
Spreads typically widen during rollover (around 22:00 UTC), market opens/closes, major news releases, and holiday periods when liquidity is reduced.
How does Daylight Saving Time affect trading hours?
DST can shift session times by approximately 1 hour. UK and US DST periods may not align, temporarily changing overlap durations. Always verify current times in your platform.
What's the best time to trade Forex?
The London-New York overlap (12:00-16:00 UTC) offers the highest liquidity and tightest spreads for major pairs. Choose times that match your strategy and available trading hours.
Do holidays affect all currency pairs equally?
No, holidays primarily affect pairs involving the holiday country's currency. For example, US holidays most impact USD pairs, while EUR pairs are less affected.