Forex trading working days refer to the specific days of the week when the foreign exchange market is open for business. Unlike stock exchanges that operate in one location and have defined hours, the forex market is decentralised and operates 24 hours a day during its trading week, thanks to overlapping trading sessions across major global financial centres.

This article explains which days the forex market is open, what time it starts and ends, and how working days vary by region, holidays, and trading sessions.

Key Takeaways

• Forex trading operates from Monday to Friday, 24 hours a day.
• The market opens on Sunday evening (GMT) and closes on Friday night (GMT).
• Trading is available through four major sessions: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York.
• Weekend trading is generally unavailable to retail traders.
• Holidays and low-volume periods affect trading conditions.

Forex Trading Week Overview

Region	Opens (GMT)	Closes (GMT)
Sydney	Sunday 9 PM	Monday 6 AM
Tokyo	Sunday 11 PM	Monday 8 AM
London	Monday 8 AM	Monday 5 PM
New York	Monday 1 PM	Monday 10 PM

The same cycle repeats daily until Friday. The market closes at 10 PM GMT on Friday, which is 5 PM New York time.

What Are the Forex Working Days?

Forex markets are open for trading five days per week, from:

• Monday to Friday globally
• Starts Sunday 10 PM GMT (Asian session opens)
• Ends Friday 10 PM GMT (New York session closes)

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, some exceptions and special considerations include:

1. Bank Holidays: Liquidity drops during holidays like Christmas, New Year, and national holidays in the US, UK, Japan, etc.
2. Islamic Countries: Markets like Saudi Arabia or UAE may follow different working days (Sunday to Thursday).
3. Broker-Specific Hours: Some brokers shut trading platforms slightly earlier or later.
4. Daylight Saving Time: Market open/close times shift based on seasonal changes in London and New York.

When Not to Trade?

• Late Friday sessions: Low liquidity and high spread
• Sunday open: Price gaps and limited volume
• Holidays: Erratic movements and thin order books

Case Study: Time Zone Advantage

Emma, a trader in London, structures her trades around the London and New York overlap (1 PM–5 PM GMT). By avoiding the Asian session and low-liquidity times, she sees better execution, tighter spreads, and more reliable trend continuation. Her week starts on Monday morning and ends by Friday afternoon, avoiding late-Friday slippage.

Ideal Times Within Working Days

• Best Sessions for Trading:
  • London Session (8 AM – 5 PM GMT): High liquidity
  • New York Session (1 PM – 10 PM GMT): Major volatility
  • London–New York Overlap (1 PM – 5 PM GMT): Optimal volume
• Avoid:
  • End-of-day rollovers
  • Fridays after 6 PM GMT
  • Sundays before liquidity picks up

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the forex trading working days?

Forex trading is open from Monday to Friday, 24 hours a day, and closed on weekends.

Can I trade forex on Saturday or Sunday?

No, the retail forex market is closed on weekends, although prices may still fluctuate in the interbank market.

What is the best working day to trade forex?

Tuesday to Thursday usually have the highest volume and clearest trends.

Does forex trading close on holidays?

Yes, during major bank holidays, the market sees low liquidity or may close partially depending on the broker.

What time does forex trading start on Sunday?

Forex trading typically starts at 9 PM GMT on Sunday with the Sydney session.