A common question among new traders is: Is forex trading 24/7? The answer is slightly more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While the forex market is known for being open longer than traditional stock markets, it does not operate every hour of the week. Understanding the structure of forex trading hours is essential for planning trades, managing risk, and optimising strategy.

This article explains forex trading hours, what “24/7” really means in this context, and how to trade effectively around the clock.

Key Takeaways

• The forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, not seven.
• Trading begins in the Asia-Pacific region on Monday morning and ends in New York on Friday evening.
• The market is closed during weekends but may reopen early depending on your broker’s server.
• Different trading sessions affect volatility and volume, impacting strategy.
• Understanding market hours is part of every professional Forex Course.

Is Forex Trading Really 24/7?

No, forex trading is not open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is open 24 hours per day from Monday to Friday, typically from:

• Sunday 22:00 GMT (Monday morning in Asia)
• To Friday 22:00 GMT (New York close)

Over the weekend, global forex liquidity halts, and most brokers do not accept new positions.

The Four Major Forex Trading Sessions

The forex market is divided into four overlapping sessions:

Session	Opens (GMT)	Closes (GMT)	Key Characteristics
Sydney	22:00	07:00	Low liquidity, good for AUD/NZD pairs
Tokyo	00:00	09:00	Active Asian pairs like JPY crosses
London	08:00	17:00	High volume, overlaps with New York
New York	13:00	22:00	USD-dominated, high volatility during overlap with London

What Happens Over the Weekend?

Forex markets close on Friday at 22:00 GMT and reopen Sunday at 22:00 GMT. However, some brokers display the Sunday open a few minutes earlier or later due to server location.

While you cannot actively trade during the weekend, it’s common to experience:

• Weekend gaps (price opens at a different level on Sunday)
• Widened spreads at the open
• Unfilled orders during illiquid conditions

Best Times To Trade Forex

While the market is technically open 24/5, not all times are equal in terms of opportunity. The best times are typically:

• London/New York overlap (13:00–17:00 GMT) – Highest liquidity and volatility
• Tokyo/London overlap (08:00–09:00 GMT) – Less active but some movement
• Avoid Sydney open if you rely on momentum or tight spreads

Real-World Case Study: Time Matters in Trading

Jason, a new forex trader from India, initially placed trades during the Sydney session (IST early morning) due to his schedule. He noticed slow-moving price action and wide spreads. After joining a professional Forex Course, he shifted his trading to the London and New York overlap hours. His win rate and reward-to-risk ratio improved, and he avoided unnecessary slippage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is forex trading available on weekends?

No, forex trading is closed from late Friday to late Sunday. Some crypto pairs may still trade over the weekend, but traditional forex does not.

Can I trade forex any time of day?

Yes, you can trade 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday, but liquidity and volatility vary significantly depending on the session.

What happens if I hold a trade over the weekend?

Your position remains open, but you cannot adjust or close it until the market reopens. Be cautious of gaps and news events.

What is the best time to trade forex?

The London–New York overlap (13:00–17:00 GMT) is generally the best time due to high volume and tight spreads.

Do all brokers offer 24-hour access to the forex market?

Most do, but some may limit access around the daily rollover or server maintenance. Always check your broker’s trading hours.

Conclusion

So, is forex trading 24/7? Technically, it’s open 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday, not around the clock all week. Understanding trading sessions, weekend gaps, and volatility windows is key to trading successfully. To master timing, execution, and market structure, enrol in a professional Forex Course.