Different hours of the day are characterized with different market behavior. This depends on the volume and also on the economic indicators that are released in every country.
Here are some better time spans to trade, in hours which see less surprises:
Times are GMT, during the winter in the northern hemisphere. For summer times, just subtract one hour.
What are your preferred times for trading? Do you prefer surprises or quiet times?
Here are some better time spans to trade, in hours which see less surprises:
Times are GMT, during the winter in the northern hemisphere. For summer times, just subtract one hour.
- 3:15 to 5:00 – Unless there is a rate decision in Australia, these hours are quiet. Traders in Tokyo are not as enthusiastic as at the beginning of the session, Australian data is already out and the occasional Chinese data news release is also behind. The only potential risk is a rate decision in Japan, but this usually comes at a later hour. Europe is fast asleep.
- 10:15 to 13:00: Up to 10:00, traders in London are more alert, especially at the beginning of the session. In addition, most UK data is released at 9:30, and European data releases (which are more spread out), are usually released up to 10:00 (ZEW for example). By 10:15, reactions to the data have already been made, and trading remains active, yet without too many surprises. At 13:00, traders in New York are already ready and potential surprises can be seen at 13:30, when the US releases data.
- 23:00 to 1:00: After the US session closes, some caution is warranted. Liquidity is low and this is a good time for rating agencies to surprise markets with credit downgrades. Too often, these publications were made after markets closed in the US, but usually not long afterwards. However, by 23:00, it is reasonable to expect that thing will calm down and remain quiet until data is released in Australia and Japan.
What are your preferred times for trading? Do you prefer surprises or quiet times?
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD regains 1.1800 and beyond on USD U-turn
The sudden bout of selling pressure on the US Dollar allows EUR/USD to leave behind the initial weakness and advance to two-day highs just above 1.1800 the figure on Friday. The pair’s jump comes as investors continue to assess the US Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s global tariffs.
GBP/USD pops above 1.3500 on weaker Dollar
GBP/USD picks up extra upside traction and reclaims the area above the 1.3500 hurdle at the end of the week. That said, Cable sets aside four daily pullbacks in a row, regaining some composure in response to the sudden bout of downside pressure hurting the Greenback.
USD/JPY sticks to gains above 155.00, over one-week top ahead of US data
The USD/JPY pair gains positive traction for the third straight day and climbs to over a one-week top, around the 155.35-155.40 region. Data released early today showed that Japan’s key inflation gauge eased to the slowest pace in two years, tempering expectations for an immediate policy tightening by the Bank of Japan.
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD regains 1.1800 and beyond on USD U-turn
The sudden bout of selling pressure on the US Dollar allows EUR/USD to leave behind the initial weakness and advance to two-day highs just above 1.1800 the figure on Friday. The pair’s jump comes as investors continue to assess the US Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s global tariffs.
GBP/USD pops above 1.3500 on weaker Dollar
GBP/USD picks up extra upside traction and reclaims the area above the 1.3500 hurdle at the end of the week. That said, Cable sets aside four daily pullbacks in a row, regaining some composure in response to the sudden bout of downside pressure hurting the Greenback.
Gold stays bid, still below $5,100/oz
Gold is extending its run higher for a third straight session on Friday, navigating the area just past the key $5,000 mark per troy ounce. The move reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, renewed losses in the Greenback and rising US Treasury yields.
Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP rebound as risk appetite improves
Bitcoin rises marginally, nearing the immediate resistance of $68,000 at the time of writing on Friday. Major altcoins, including Ethereum and Ripple, hold key support levels as bulls aim to maintain marginal intraday gains.
Week ahead – Markets brace for heightened volatility as event risk dominates
Dollar strength dominates markets as risk appetite remains subdued. A Supreme Court ruling, geopolitics and Fed developments are in focus. Pivotal Nvidia earnings on Wednesday as investors question tech sector weakness.
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