Guide · By DueTrack Studio · Updated 2026-10-29
Forex market hours, trading sessions and kill zones explained
The forex market trades around the clock on weekdays, in three main sessions: Asia (Tokyo), London and New York. Activity and volatility usually rise when London opens and when London and New York overlap. 'Kill zones' are specific windows inside those sessions — commonly the London open and the New York morning — that some traders focus on because price tends to move most there.
What are the main forex sessions?
- Asian session: led by Tokyo; often quieter for major pairs.
- London session: the largest share of trading volume; volatility usually rises at the open.
- New York session: overlaps with London for several hours, often the most active part of the day.
Why does the London–New York overlap matter?
When two major centres are open at once, more participants trade, spreads on major pairs tend to tighten and moves are often larger. Many day traders plan around this window.
What is a kill zone?
In ICT and smart-money terminology, kill zones are time windows when the trader expects the day's significant moves — typically around the London open and the New York morning, measured in New York time. They are a planning convention, not a guarantee of movement.
Why time zones trip traders up
Session times shift with daylight saving time in London and New York, and the shifts happen on different dates. Always check sessions in one reference time zone, and convert to your own.
Questions
What time does the London session open where I live?
It depends on your time zone and daylight saving time. A session clock that converts automatically avoids mistakes twice a year.
Are kill zones guaranteed to move?
No. They are windows where traders expect activity, not a promise. Journal your trades by session to see whether they work for you.