When Does the CFD Market Open & Close?
Ultimate Guide for CFD Trading Hours
The beauty of CFD trading is its global reach and constant movement. Nonetheless the CFD market operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week unlike traditional stock exchanges. Learning about CFD trading hours and the best times to trade enables you to make right decisions and potentially maximise your profits.
The CFD Clock is Ticking: Global Market Never Sleeps
The CFD market operates 24/5. However the market activity isn’t evenly distributed throughout the day. Instead, it functions like a global relay race, with the baton (currency pairs) being passed between four major financial centres, each with its own unique characteristics:
Sydney (Opens 4:00 PM GMT): The Anticipation Builders
The Australian session kicks off the trading day at 4:00 PM GMT (often coinciding with the afternoon in Asia). This session sets the initial tone for the day, with news and events from the previous American session influencing market sentiment. While liquidity might be lower compared to later sessions, it can be a good time to gauge overall market direction.
Tokyo (Opens 12:00 AM GMT): The High-Liquidity Hub
As the sun sets in Australia, the baton passes to Tokyo, which opens at 12:00 AM GMT. This session is famous for its high liquidity due to the overlap with major Asian financial centres like Hong Kong and Singapore. The focus often shifts to economic data releases from China and Japan, which can trigger significant market activity.
London (Opens 7:00 AM GMT): The Volume Kings
The European session, with London as its heart, opens at 7:00 AM GMT and boasts the highest trading volume globally. This session overlaps with the tail end of Tokyo, creating a period of increased activity. Major economic releases from Europe often take centre stage here, impacting a wide range of currency pairs.
New York (Opens 1:00 PM GMT): The Powerhouse Closer
The North American session, anchored by New York, opens at 1:00 PM GMT and is another high-volume period. It overlaps with the closing hours of London, creating another window of heightened activity. Economic data from the US heavily influences market activity during this session. This makes it a crucial time for traders following the US dollar.
This global race ensures that the CFD market is constantly in motion and offering trading opportunities around the clock. Understanding these sessions and their characteristics will let you decide about when to enter and exit trades.
Prime Time for Profit: When to Trade CFD?
Though CFD offers 24/5 accessibility, not all times are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to trade based on your aims:
High Volume, High Volatility:
If you thrive on fast action and capitalising on significant price movements, target the overlap periods between trading sessions. London and New York are particularly suitable. This is when market volatility tends to be highest due to increased activity.
Example:
You believe the EUR/USD will strengthen due to an upcoming economic announcement in Europe. You might open a long position (buying EUR) during the London session overlap with New York to potentially benefit from the price swings triggered by the announcement.
Lower Volume, Measured Moves:
If you prefer a more strategic approach with calculated entries and exits, consider trading during quieter sessions like Sydney or Tokyo. These sessions often exhibit lower volatility, allowing for a more measured trading environment.
Example:
You suspect the GBP/JPY will experience a correction after a strong rally. You might enter a short position (selling GBP) during the Tokyo session, aiming to capitalise on a potential price pullback in a less volatile environment.
Trading Around the Clock: Can You Trade CFD at Night?
Absolutely! The allure of CFD is its 24/5 accessibility. If you work a traditional daytime job, night hours can be your prime trading window. Remember, some volatility might be lower during off-peak sessions, but trading opportunities still exist.
Embrace the Global Reach: Trade CFD on Your Terms
At SASA Markets, we understand that every trader has a unique schedule and style. Our 24/5 CFD trading platform enables you to trade whenever it suits you best. We help you conquer the CFD market,with competitive spreads, user-friendly interface, and educational library, no matter the time zone. Don’t just watch the market move, be a part of it. Open an account at SASA Markets and trade with confidence any time of the day!