Forex trading operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, but it does close at the end of the trading week. The forex market closes every Friday at 10 PM GMT (11 PM BST during UK daylight saving time). This is when the last major trading session — the New York session — ends.

Understanding forex market closing times is essential for planning your trades, avoiding weekend gaps, and managing risk properly.

Key Takeaways

• The forex market closes every Friday at 10 PM GMT (11 PM UK time in summer)
• It reopens every Sunday at 10 PM GMT (11 PM UK time in summer)
• Closing times correspond to the end of the New York trading session
• Market is closed on weekends and resumes on Sunday night
• Forex brokers may set slightly different times based on server location

Global Forex Session Overview

Forex Session	Opens (GMT)	Closes (GMT)
Sydney	10 PM	7 AM
Tokyo	12 AM	9 AM
London	8 AM	5 PM
New York	1 PM	10 PM

Since sessions overlap, the market runs continuously from Sunday to Friday — but it pauses entirely over the weekend.

Why Does Forex Close?

Forex is decentralised and operates through interbank networks. However, liquidity providers and institutions do not operate on weekends, so trading stops:

• To prevent low liquidity and high spreads
• To allow market participants to reset
• To close positions and manage weekend risk

Weekend Gaps

When forex reopens on Sunday, prices may gap up or down due to news or geopolitical events over the weekend. Many traders close their positions before Friday close to avoid unexpected losses.

Real Example: Friday Market Close

Imagine you’re trading GBP/USD on a Friday evening. As the New York session winds down, volume drops and spreads widen. Your broker might:

• Increase margin requirements
• Trigger wider stop-losses
• Reduce leverage
  This is why experienced traders avoid opening new trades late on Friday.

Managing Trades Around Closing Time

• Close high-risk positions before Friday night
• Use guaranteed stop-losses where available
• Check broker’s exact close time, as some operate on different time zones (e.g., GMT+2)
• Avoid holding trades across weekends unless part of a long-term strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does forex trading close on Friday UK time?

Forex trading closes at 10 PM GMT or 11 PM UK time during daylight saving.

Does forex trading happen on weekends?

No, the forex market is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It reopens Sunday night.

Why does forex close on Friday night?

Because major institutions and liquidity providers stop trading, causing a drop in market activity.

Can I trade forex after hours?

Some brokers offer weekend trading, but it’s usually limited to cryptocurrencies or synthetic pairs — not major forex.

What happens if I hold a trade over the weekend?

You may be exposed to weekend gaps, where the price opens significantly higher or lower due to news.

Conclusion

Forex trading closes every Friday at 10 PM GMT, marking the end of the global trading week. Understanding this schedule is crucial for managing trades, planning strategies, and avoiding unnecessary risks. Always check your broker’s timezone and prepare for possible weekend price gaps if holding positions open.