Market Hours

View trading hours for major financial markets worldwide. Times are displayed in your local timezone.

Understanding Global Market Trading Hours

Financial markets around the world operate on different schedules based on their local time zones and regional holidays. Understanding these trading hours is crucial for traders because liquidity, volatility, and volume vary significantly throughout the day. The most active trading periods typically occur when multiple major markets overlap.

Forex markets operate nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week, with major trading sessions centered around London, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney. Stock markets, on the other hand, have more defined hours and are closed on weekends and holidays. Cryptocurrency markets operate 24/7, making them unique among financial instruments.

Why Trading Hours Matter

Trading during peak hours often means better liquidity, tighter spreads, and more reliable price movements. Conversely, trading during off-peak hours can result in wider spreads, lower liquidity, and increased slippage. Smart traders plan their entries and exits around these market hours to optimize their execution and reduce trading costs.

Market Overlap Periods

The most volatile and liquid periods occur when major markets overlap. For example, the London-New York overlap (13:00-16:00 GMT) typically sees the highest trading volume in Forex markets, making it ideal for day traders seeking volatility and tight spreads. Understanding these overlap periods can help you time your trades more effectively.

Current Time

11:12:40 PM

Sunday, November 2, 2025

MarketStatusOpenCloseTimezone
Forex (London)○ Closed08:0017:00GMT
Forex (New York)○ Closed13:0022:00EST/EDT
Forex (Tokyo)○ Closed00:0009:00JST
Forex (Sydney)● Open22:0007:00AEDT
US Stock Market○ Closed09:3016:00EST/EDT
European Stock Market○ Closed08:0016:30CET/CEST
Asian Stock Market○ Closed09:0015:00Local
Cryptocurrency● Open00:0024:00UTC

Note: Market hours are displayed in approximate local times. Actual trading hours may vary based on daylight saving time and regional holidays. Always verify with your broker for exact trading hours.

Trading Hours Best Practices

Different trading styles benefit from trading during different market hours. Scalpers and day traders typically prefer high-volatility periods during market overlaps, while swing traders may be less concerned with specific hours since they hold positions longer.

  • Day trading: Focus on the London and New York sessions when liquidity is highest and spreads are tightest.
  • Swing trading: Market hours matter less since positions are held for days or weeks, but be aware of market openings and closings.
  • News trading: Always know when major economic announcements occur in relation to market hours to avoid unexpected volatility.
  • Holiday awareness: Markets close on different holidays in different countries, affecting liquidity and potentially causing gaps.

Important: Market hours shown here are approximate and may change due to daylight saving time transitions, holidays, or special circumstances. Always confirm exact trading hours with your broker before placing trades.