Market hours
Fxnova experts reveal how to take advantage of world market hours to increase your profitability and plan your trading effectively.
Opening hours of the world's major stock exchanges
The world's financial markets operate around the clock due to the fact that key stock exchanges are located in different time zones. Here are the opening hours of the major stock exchanges:
| Stock Exchange | Market hours |
|---|---|
| New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) | from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm (GMT+3) |
| London Stock Exchange (LSE) | from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (GMT+3) |
| Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) | from 03:00 am to 09:00 am (GMT+3) |
| Sydney Stock Exchange (ASX) | from 01:00 am to 07:00 am (GMT+3) |
Knowing the schedule of these exchanges will help you plan your trading operations and take into account the peaks of liquidity in the market.
Forex sessions
Forex is one of the few markets that operates 24 hours a day, allowing traders to trade at their convenience. Forex is divided into three main trading sessions:
| Session | Market hours |
|---|---|
| Asian session | from 03:00 am to 12:00 pm (GMT+3) |
| European session: | from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (GMT+3) |
| American session | from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm (GMT+3) |
The European and American trading sessions are characterized by heightened activity and volatility, making them the most dynamic periods in the market. To trade successfully, one must grasp the unique characteristics of each session.
Impact of public holidays on trading
It is important to consider holidays in countries where major exchanges are located, as this can significantly affect liquidity and volatility. Trading markets may be closed on holidays, or trading volume may decrease noticeably.
For example:
- Christmas Day (December 24-25) — most Western exchanges are closed.
- US Independence Day (July 4) — US markets are closed.
- Golden Week in Japan (late April - early May) — reduced activity in Asian markets.
When planning your trades, keep these dates in mind to avoid unforeseen market fluctuations.
