Setting timeframes for specific trading sessions in cTrader helps you focus on key market hours, such as the London, New York, or Asian sessions. By tailoring your charts to display data from a specific session, you can analyse price action, volatility, and trading opportunities more effectively during those periods.

Steps to Set Timeframes for Specific Sessions in cTrader

1. Understanding Trading Sessions

• Asian Session:
  • Active during Tokyo hours (00:00–09:00 GMT).
  • Features lower volatility compared to other sessions.
• London Session:
  • Active during European hours (07:00–16:00 GMT).
  • Known for high liquidity and major price movements.
• New York Session:
  • Active during US hours (12:00–21:00 GMT).
  • Often overlaps with the London session, leading to increased activity.

2. Using cTrader to Focus on Specific Sessions

cTrader allows you to customise chart displays and utilise tools to isolate session-specific data. Here’s how:

Method 1: Customise Timeframes

• Open your cTrader platform.
• Select the instrument you want to trade.
• Choose the desired timeframe (e.g., 1 hour, 15 minutes, 5 minutes) from the top menu.
• Analyse price action on your preferred timeframe for the session you’re targeting.

Method 2: Use Session Indicators

To highlight specific sessions on your charts, use a session indicator available in cTrader’s indicator library or download one from third-party sources. Steps:

1. Go to the Indicators menu in cTrader.
2. Search for a “Session Box” or “Trading Session Indicator.”
3. Apply the indicator to your chart and configure the time settings:
   • Asian Session: Set the indicator to display from 00:00 to 09:00 GMT.
   • London Session: Configure it to show from 07:00 to 16:00 GMT.
   • New York Session: Adjust it to highlight from 12:00 to 21:00 GMT.

Method 3: Set Custom Time Filters

For more precise control over session data:

• Use cTrader’s “Custom Range Bars” or time filters to view only data from specific hours.
• This can be achieved by:
  1. Exporting data to an external tool (like Excel) if necessary.
  2. Filtering the data to match the session time.

Method 4: Overlap Multiple Charts

• Open multiple charts for the same instrument, each displaying data for a specific session.
• Use different timeframes for each chart to compare session behaviours.

Method 5: Use Colour-Coded Session Highlights

• Apply a session indicator with colour-coding to visually separate Asian, London, and New York sessions.
• Example:
  • Asian: Light Blue
  • London: Green
  • New York: Yellow

3. Analyse Session-Specific Characteristics

• Asian Session:
  • Typically low volatility and narrower price ranges.
  • Focus on breakout strategies as sessions transition.
• London Session:
  • High activity and strong trends.
  • Ideal for trend-following strategies.
• New York Session:
  • Overlaps with London, offering high volatility.
  • Good for scalping or trading news events.

Practical Tips for Session-Based Analysis

• Adjust Time Zone Settings:
  Ensure your cTrader platform’s time zone matches your local time or GMT for consistent session monitoring.
• Combine with Indicators:
  Pair session analysis with tools like moving averages, Bollinger Bands, or RSI to refine your strategy.
• Use Volume Analysis:
  Monitor volume spikes during session overlaps to identify potential breakouts or reversals.
• Backtest Session Strategies:
  Use cTrader’s backtesting feature to test how your strategy performs in different sessions.

FAQs

Can I create session-specific charts in cTrader?
Yes, you can use session indicators or adjust your chart settings to focus on specific trading sessions.

What is the best session to trade forex?
The London session is often preferred for its high liquidity, while the London-New York overlap offers the most volatility.

How do I highlight trading sessions on my chart?
Use a session indicator or manually mark session times with horizontal or vertical lines.

Can I customise session times in cTrader?
Yes, session indicators in cTrader often allow you to configure session times to match your preferences.

What time zone does cTrader use?
cTrader defaults to your local time zone but can be adjusted to GMT or another time zone.

How do I analyse session-specific volume?
Enable a volume indicator and focus on spikes during key session overlaps for insights.

Should I use different timeframes for each session?
Yes, shorter timeframes (e.g., 5 or 15 minutes) suit volatile sessions, while longer timeframes (e.g., 1 hour) work for range-bound sessions.

What are the key characteristics of session overlaps?
Session overlaps, such as London-New York, typically feature increased volatility, liquidity, and trading opportunities.

Can I use cTrader to trade only during specific sessions?
Yes, set alerts or use automated bots to focus on session-specific trading opportunities.

Is session-based trading suitable for beginners?
Yes, but start with one session at a time to familiarise yourself with its characteristics before trading multiple sessions.

Conclusion

Setting timeframes for specific sessions in cTrader enhances your ability to focus on key market hours and trade with precision. By using session indicators, customising charts, and aligning strategies with session characteristics, you can make informed decisions and optimise your trading performance. Unlock your full potential with our expert-led trading courses. Gain insights, learn winning strategies, and take control of your trading journey today.