Asian, London and New York Sessions
BY TIOmarkets
|February 9, 2026The forex market runs 24 hours a day, but not all hours are the same. Trading activity changes as different global markets open and close. Understanding the Asian, London, and New York sessions helps traders know when the market is most active, volatile, and suitable for their trading style.
What’s Included in this Article
In this guide, you will learn:
- The main forex trading sessions and how they work
- Forex market hours and global opening times
- Asian, London, and New York session characteristics
- How overlapping trading sessions affect volatility
- The impact of daylight savings time
- Answers to common forex session questions
What Is the London Session?
The London session is the most active forex trading session in the world. It opens when major European financial centres begin trading. Because London is a global financial hub, a large volume of forex trades happens during this time.
High liquidity during the London session often leads to tighter spreads and strong price movement, making it popular with traders.
Forex Trading Sessions
The forex market is divided into three main trading sessions. Each session reflects the business hours of major financial regions.
The three main trading sessions are:
- Asian session
- European (London) session
- North American (New York) session
Each session has different levels of volatility and trading volume.
Forex Market Hours
The forex market opens on Monday morning in Asia and closes on Friday evening in New York. This creates a continuous trading cycle during the workweek.
Because the market is global, traders can access forex markets at almost any time, depending on their location and strategy.
International Date Line
The International Date Line plays a key role in forex trading hours. It determines when a new trading day starts in different regions.
This is why the forex market opens first in Asia, then moves to Europe, and finally to North America.
Asian Forex Session (Tokyo)
The Asian forex session begins with the opening of markets in Tokyo. It is often considered a calmer trading session compared to London and New York.
This session is known for:
- Lower volatility
- Slower price movement
- Strong activity in JPY, AUD, and NZD pairs
Traders who prefer stable market conditions may focus on this session.
European Forex Session (London)
The London session is the busiest trading session. Many major banks and institutions are active during this time.
The London session forex time is known for:
- High trading volume
- Strong trends
- Increased volatility
Most major currency pairs see significant price movement during this session.
North American Forex Session (New York)
The New York session begins when US markets open. It overlaps with the London session for several hours, creating some of the most active trading periods.
The New York session forex time is influenced by:
- US economic news
- Interest rate announcements
- Strong USD price movement
Volatility often increases during this session, especially during news releases.
Effects of Overlapping Trading Sessions
When trading sessions overlap, market activity increases. More traders are active, which leads to higher liquidity and stronger price movement.
The most important overlap is between:
- London and New York sessions
This overlap is often the most volatile and liquid time in the forex market.
Impact on Trading Strategies
Different trading sessions suit different strategies. Some traders prefer calm markets, while others seek fast price movement.
For example:
- Asian session suits range trading
- London session suits trend trading
- London–New York overlap suits breakout strategies
Choosing the right session helps align strategy with market conditions.
Daylight Savings Time
Daylight savings time changes forex session times during the year. Some regions adjust their clocks, while others do not.
This can temporarily shift:
- London session forex time
- New York session forex time
Traders should always check updated session schedules during seasonal changes.
Forex Trading Session Overlaps
Forex trading session overlaps create peak activity periods. These overlaps are popular with day traders and scalpers due to faster price movement.
The London–New York overlap is the most traded overlap worldwide.
Forex Trading Session Volatility
Volatility changes throughout the day. It increases when major sessions open and during economic announcements.
High volatility can create opportunities, but it also increases risk. Proper risk management is essential.
Global Forex Market Opening Hours
The global forex market opens in:
- Sydney
- Tokyo
- London
- New York
This sequence keeps the market open 24 hours during weekdays.
Forex Market Sessions
Forex market sessions help traders understand when liquidity and volatility are highest. Knowing session times allows traders to plan entries and exits more effectively.
FAQs
Is There a Best Time to Trade Forex?
There is no single best time. The best time depends on your strategy, risk tolerance, and preferred currency pairs.
What Are the Forex Market Opening Hours in Singapore?
Singapore follows Asian market hours. Forex trading is active from early morning until late at night, depending on the session.
Can I Trade FX on Weekends?
No. The forex market is closed on weekends. Trading resumes when markets open in Asia on Monday.
Is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) Still the Standard for Time?
Yes. GMT is still commonly used as a reference time for forex session schedules.
Conclusion
The Asian, London, and New York sessions shape how the forex market moves each day. Understanding forex session times helps traders identify the best moments to trade, manage risk, and improve strategy timing.
Knowing when markets are active gives traders an important advantage.
Key Takeaway
Forex trading sessions affect volatility, liquidity, and price movement. Choosing the right session can improve trading performance.
With TIOmarkets, you get access to major trading sessions, tight spreads, and powerful platforms.
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