Discover the operating hours of global financial markets
Plan your trades by considering active sessions and optimal trading times
Operating hours of main Trading Sessions
The financial markets operate through four main sessions: Tokyo, London, New York, and Sydney
These sessions set the pace for trading worldwide. It's essential to note that the highest liquidity and price movements typically occur during the overlap of two sessions, especially between the London and New York sessions.
| Trading session | Opening time (UTC)* | Closing time (UTC)* |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 12:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| London | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| New York | 1:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Sydney | 10:00 PM | 7:00 AM |
How to use trading sessions to choose the right trading times
London and New York Sessions
The most active time for trading currencies and stocks, with the highest volumes and volatility
Tokyo Session
Best suited for trading Asian currencies and assets when liquidity in Asian markets is at its peak
Sydney Session
Crucial for those trading Australian assets or looking to start the day on Asian markets
Useful Facts
24/7 trading
Some assets, such as cryptocurrencies, are available 24/7, offering flexibility for trading at any
time
Monday and Friday
Early Monday hours and late Friday sessions are marked by the highest volatility due to session
openings and closings for the weekend
Seasonal changes
Trading activity can vary based on the time of year. For instance, summer and holiday periods often
reduce trading volumes
Session overlaps
The greatest liquidity and price movements are usually observed during the overlap of the London and
New York sessions
Holidays and events
National holidays and major economic events, such as U.S. employment reports, can significantly impact
market activity and volatility
