The forex market is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world, operating 24 hours a day, five days a week. It spans multiple global financial centres, each with specific trading hours. Understanding forex trading market times is essential for traders to identify periods of high liquidity, volatility, and to plan their trades effectively.

This article outlines the main forex market sessions, their timings in GMT, the overlaps that offer the best trading opportunities, and tips on how to leverage market times for successful trading.

Key Takeaways

• The forex market is open 24 hours from Sunday 22:00 GMT to Friday 22:00 GMT.
• Four major sessions: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York.
• Highest liquidity and volatility occur during session overlaps, especially London-New York.
• Different currency pairs perform best during different sessions.
• Traders should align trading strategies with market session characteristics.

Forex Market Trading Sessions and GMT Times

Session	Opening Time (GMT)	Closing Time (GMT)	Key Characteristics
Sydney	22:00 (Sunday)	07:00	Lower liquidity, AUD/NZD active
Tokyo (Asia)	00:00	09:00	JPY and Asian currencies active
London (Europe)	08:00	17:00	Highest liquidity, GBP, EUR pairs
New York (US)	13:00	22:00	USD pairs most active, news volatility

Session Overlaps: The Most Active Trading Periods

• London-Tokyo Overlap (08:00–09:00 GMT): Moderate activity, transition between Asia and Europe.
• London-New York Overlap (13:00–17:00 GMT): Peak liquidity and volatility, ideal for day trading major pairs.
• Sydney-Tokyo Overlap (00:00–07:00 GMT): Active for Asian and Oceania pairs but lower volume.

Best Times to Trade Specific Currency Pairs

Currency Pairs	Best Session
EUR/USD, GBP/USD	London & New York
USD/JPY, EUR/JPY	Tokyo & New York
AUD/USD, NZD/USD	Sydney & Tokyo
USD/CHF	London & New York

Tips for Trading Forex Market Times

• Focus trading during London-New York overlap for best spreads and volume.
• Avoid trading during low-liquidity hours (e.g., Friday after 20:00 GMT).
• Be cautious around major economic news releases that occur during specific sessions.
• Use session times to optimise your trading schedule according to your lifestyle.

Case Study: Leveraging Market Times

David, a UK trader, found his trading success improved after aligning his trades with the London-New York overlap (13:00–17:00 GMT). By focusing on EUR/USD and GBP/USD pairs during these hours and avoiding trades during low-volume Sydney sessions, he increased his win rate and reduced slippage. Training through a CPD accredited Forex Course helped him understand the importance of market timing.

Fundamental vs Technical Analysis by Session

Session	Fundamental Focus	Technical Focus
Asian Sessions	Economic data from Japan, Australia	Range-bound price action, scalping
European Session	ECB and BOE policy, Eurozone data	Breakouts, trend continuation
US Session	US economic indicators, Fed announcements	Volatility spikes, retracements

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the forex market open and close in GMT?

The forex market opens at 22:00 GMT on Sunday and closes at 22:00 GMT on Friday.

Which is the most volatile forex trading time?

The London-New York session overlap between 13:00 and 17:00 GMT is the most volatile and liquid.

Can I trade forex 24 hours a day?

Yes, the forex market operates 24 hours during weekdays, closing over the weekend.

What time is best to trade EUR/USD?

Between 08:00 and 17:00 GMT during London and New York sessions.

Should beginners trade during low-volume sessions?

It’s generally better to trade during high-volume sessions to avoid wide spreads and slippage.