The best time to trade forex in South Africa is from 10:00 to 17:00 SAST during summertime, and in winter from 9:00 to 16:00 SAST. It aligns with key market overlaps, offering high liquidity, reduced false moves, and significant market movement.
During these key times there is logically higher volatility and volume.
When the trade volume is higher, currencies are prone to move quicker.
Additionally, during these time frames, significant economic news is prone to be publicly announced.
Forex market hours in South Africa refer to the specific times when participants in the foreign exchange market can trade currencies, typically aligning with the business hours of global financial centers.
The Primary Forex Sessions for South African Traders (SAST time)
Sessions | From (SAST Time Zone) | To (SAST Time Zone) |
---|---|---|
Sydney | 11PM | 8AM |
Tokyo (Asian) | 2AM | 11AM |
London (Europe) | 9AM | 6PM |
New York (American) | 3PM | 12AM |
Asian Forex Session
Asian Forex Session in South Africa opens at 2:00AM and closes at 1:00AM SAST time.
Asia forex session (Tokyo ) is known for its lower forex markets volatility and liquidity. Dominated by highest volume in JPY Japanesse jen and also AUD, NZD Australian and New Zealand Dollar.
During this session, you should definitely consider trading the USD/JPY pair, as it statistically experiences the largest price movements.
London Session
London Forex Session in South Africa opens at Opens 9:00 am and closes 6:00 pm SAST time.
Concurrently, many traders indicated that, for the most part, the EUR pairs and GBP pairs are widely traded during the London or European Forex Trading Session. Of course, every trader has a specific, individualized strategy that can be more or less successful, depending on the time.
New York Session
New York Forex Session in South Africa opens at 3:00 pm – Closes 12:00 am SAST time.
This has been always the busiest and also the most liquid with highest volatility.
Logically, US dollar pairs USD are the most traded. During U.S forex session, major pairs, crosses, and emerging market currencies, such as the Mexican Peso and Brazilian Real, are traded frequently.
The overlap between the London and the New York session creates a period of heightened activity.
During the U.S. Trading Session, you should definitely consider trading the EUR/USD pair, as it statistically experiences the largest price movements.