Understanding Trading Sessions in Global Markets
Financial market trading hours refer to the specific time windows when traders can buy and sell different financial instruments. These periods vary across asset classes, markets, and geographical regions. At XS, we offer access to multiple asset classes, each with unique opening and closing times.
Standard Trading Hours for Different Instruments
The following tables detail the regular trading sessions for various financial instruments available through XS.
👉 Maximize your trading opportunities with our extended hour options
Important Notes:
- All times shown are server time (GMT+2 during winter, GMT+3 during summer)
- Seasonal adjustments may apply - always check our "Trading Holidays" page for updates
- Daily maintenance breaks are incorporated where applicable
Forex Pairs
| Instrument | Trading Window |
|---|---|
| All Major & Minor Currency Pairs | Monday 00:00 - Friday 23:55 |
Precious Metals
| Metal | Availability |
|---|---|
| XAU (Gold), XAG (Silver) | Mon 01:05 - Fri 23:55 (Daily break: 00:00-00:59) |
| XPT (Platinum), XPD (Palladium) | Same as above |
Energies
| Commodity | Schedule |
|---|---|
| USOIL (WTI Crude) | Mon 01:05 - Fri 23:55 (Daily pause: 00:00-00:59) |
| UKOIL (Brent Crude) | Mon 03:00 - Fri 24:00 (Daily break: 00:00:01-02:59:59) |
| NGAS (Natural Gas) | Mon 01:00 - Fri 23:59 (Daily pause: 00:00-00:59) |
Indices (Detailed Breakdown)
| Index | Region | Trading Hours |
|---|---|---|
| US30 (Dow Jones) | Americas | Mon-Fri: 01:00-24:00 |
| DE40 (DAX) | Europe | Mon-Fri: 03:20-24:00 |
| JP225 (Nikkei) | Asia | Mon-Fri: 01:00-23:59 |
Stocks Trading Windows
| Market | Session |
|---|---|
| US Stocks | 16:30-22:55 (Mon-Fri) |
| EU Stocks | 10:00-18:30 (Mon-Fri) |
| HK Stocks | 04:30-11:00 (Mon-Fri) |
Trading Holidays & Special Schedules
Market holidays significantly impact trading availability. Below are key adjustments for upcoming events:
July 2025 Holiday Schedule (GMT+3)
| Date | Holiday | Affected Instruments | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 4 | US Independence Day | US Stocks | Market Closed |
| Precious Metals | Early Close 20:00 | ||
| US Indices | Early Close 20:00-20:15 |
👉 Stay prepared with our holiday trading calendar
Essential Trading Announcements
Dividend Adjustments (June 30-July 4, 2025)
How It Works:
- Long positions receive payment
- Short positions get charged
Example Calculations:
US30 dividend = 4.383
- Long position of 20 contracts → 20*4.383 = $87.66 credit
Stock XYZ dividend = 0.59
- Short position of 100 shares → 100*0.59 = $59.00 debit
High Margin Requirement Periods
| Date | Time (GMT+3) | Event | Currency | HMR Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2 | 15:15 | ADP Employment | USD | 15:00-15:25 |
| July 3 | 15:30 | Non-Farm Payrolls | USD | 15:15-15:40 |
FAQ: Trading Hours Explained
Q: Can I trade cryptocurrencies outside normal hours?
A: Yes! Cryptos trade 24/7 except during brief maintenance periods.
Q: Why do energy products have daily breaks?
A: These pauses allow for market settlement and liquidity replenishment.
Q: How do I know if my position will be affected by a dividend?
A: Check our Corporate Actions page 3 days before ex-dividend dates.
Q: What happens if I hold positions during HMR periods?
A: Margin requirements temporarily increase - plan your risk accordingly.
Start Trading Global Markets Today
Follow these simple steps:
- Register your trading account
- Fund your account
- Execute your first trade
Pro Tip: Use limit orders during volatile market openings/closings for better price control.