Timing is one of the most critical elements in trading. Knowing when to trade can often be just as important as knowing what to trade. Different financial markets operate on varying schedules, and each session brings unique levels of activity and liquidity. For traders on Exness, understanding key market hours and liquidity patterns can help optimize strategies and improve trading efficiency. In this guide, AZ Broker breaks down global trading sessions, explains how liquidity affects your trades, and shares practical tips to make the most of each trading period.
What Are Market Hours?
Market hours refer to the times during which global financial centers are open for trading. The Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, thanks to overlapping time zones across major regions. However, not all hours are created equal some sessions see more price movement and tighter spreads, while others are quieter with limited liquidity.
The four main trading sessions are:
Sydney Session – Starts the trading day, providing moderate movement.
Tokyo Session – Represents the Asian markets, often driven by JPY-related pairs.
London Session – The most active, influencing EUR, GBP, and USD pairs.
New York Session – Overlaps with London, offering strong liquidity and volatility.
AZ Broker Tip: The best time to trade is during session overlaps, especially between London and New York, when market activity peaks.
Understanding Liquidity
Liquidity refers to how easily an asset can be bought or sold without causing major price changes. In simpler terms, it’s the availability of buyers and sellers in the market.
High Liquidity: Markets move smoothly with tighter spreads, faster execution, and minimal slippage.
Low Liquidity: Price gaps, wider spreads, and unpredictable movements become more common.
On Exness, liquidity is crucial because it affects the spread the difference between the buying and selling price. During peak trading hours, spreads are usually tighter, helping traders save on transaction costs.
Market Hours and Their Characteristics
Asian Session (Tokyo)
Time: 00:00 – 09:00 GMT
Focus: JPY, AUD, and NZD pairs.
Liquidity: Moderate, with smaller price ranges.
Best for traders seeking stability and steady market behavior.
European Session (London)
Time: 08:00 – 17:00 GMT
Focus: EUR, GBP, and CHF pairs.
Liquidity: High; major economic news often causes significant movement.
Best for day traders and scalpers looking for active markets.
North American Session (New York)
Time: 13:00 – 22:00 GMT
Focus: USD pairs and commodities like gold (XAU/USD).
Liquidity: Very high, especially during the overlap with London (13:00 – 17:00 GMT).
Best for traders seeking strong price action and volatility.
Pacific Session (Sydney)
AZBroker notes that while lower liquidity can offer fewer opportunities, it’s often ideal for long-term traders who prefer less volatility.
How to Trade Effectively by Time Zone
Plan Around Volatility: Use Exness’s economic calendar to identify news releases that affect liquidity.
Choose Pairs Wisely: Trade EUR/USD or GBP/USD during London-New York overlaps for optimal movement.
Avoid Quiet Hours: Late Fridays and early Mondays often have thin liquidity and unpredictable prices.
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Final Thoughts
Mastering market hours and liquidity is essential for every trader who wants to time entries and exits effectively. The more you understand when the markets move and why the better you can align your strategy with real opportunities.
With Exness, you gain access to high-speed execution, deep liquidity, and reliable data to trade with confidence at any time of day. Partnering with AZ Broker gives you expert insights and support to help you turn timing into a trading advantage. Trade smart, trade strategically, and make every hour count with Exness.