Trading sessions
The Forex market is divided into 4 main trading sessions. During the sessions the market activity reaches its peak.
The markets are most active when most banks and companies make their daily transfers and there are a large number of online traders present.
| Region | City | Market opening at GMT | Market close by GMT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Sydney | 22:00 | 6:00 |
| Asia | Tokyo | 0:00 | 8:00 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 1:00 | 9:00 |
| Asia | Singapore | 1:00 | 9:00 |
| Europe | Frankfurt | 5:00 | 13:00 |
| Europe | Zurich | 5:00 | 13:00 |
| Europe | Paris | 5:00 | 13:00 |
| Europe | London | 6:00 | 14:00 |
| America | New York | 12:00 | 20:00 |
| America | Chicago | 13:00 | 21:00 |
How to use market hours to your advantage?
In Forex trading, a market participant must determine whether high or low volatility is best suited to his or her individual trading style. Those who choose high volatility are better off trading during overlapping trading sessions or perhaps when economic news is released.
On the contrary, those who prefer low liquidity are better off avoiding these periods.
Although the Forex market is open 24 hours a day, it doesn't mean that you need to keep
an eye on it all the time. You need a clear and alert mind to succeed in Forex. A good knowledge of the different Forex trading sessions will give you an advantage to conduct the most effective currency trading.