See which forex trading sessions are open right now, shown in your local time. The market runs 24 hours a day from Monday morning in Sydney to Friday evening in New York.
Times update live and follow daylight saving rules for each city. Your local time: --:--
The four main sessions
- Sydney: opens the trading week on Monday morning local time.
- Tokyo: the main Asian session, active for yen and Australian dollar pairs.
- London: the largest trading center, home to the biggest share of global currency trading according to the BIS.
- New York: active for dollar pairs and when US data is released.
The best time to trade
The London and New York overlap, roughly 13:00 to 17:00 GMT, usually has the most volume and the tightest spreads. Many impulsive moves start in this window. The quiet period after New York closes often has wider spreads.
Daylight saving time
The US, UK, Europe and Australia change clocks on different dates, so session times shift by an hour for a few weeks each spring and autumn. The clock above uses real time zones, so it adjusts automatically.
Frequently asked questions
When does the forex market open?
On Sunday evening GMT, which is Monday morning in Sydney, and it closes on Friday evening New York time.
Which session is busiest?
The London and New York overlap, when both major centers are open.
Why do session times change?
Daylight saving dates differ between countries, so sessions shift by an hour at certain times of year.
Sources and further reading
- Triennial Central Bank Survey (Bank for International Settlements)
Results are estimates for education and planning. Check contract specifications and costs with your broker before you trade. Disclaimer.
