The Asian forex session begins when Sydney opens on Sunday at 5:00 PM EST, followed by Tokyo at 7:00 PM EST; typical session ranges are Sydney 5:00 PM–2:00 AM EST and Tokyo 7:00 PM–4:00 AM EST.
Key Takeaways
- The Asian session starts with Sydney at 5:00 PM EST and Tokyo at 7:00 PM EST, ending around 4:00 AM EST.
- It’s the first active session of the forex week, opening on Sunday evening (EST).
- Major currency pairs: USD/JPY, AUD/USD, NZD/USD, and EUR/JPY.
- Peak trading activity occurs between 7:00 PM and 2:00 AM EST.
- Ideal for traders who prefer steady, low-volatility markets.
What Is the Asian Trading Session?
The Asian trading session marks the start of the global forex trading week, beginning when the Sydney market opens on Sunday evening in EST. It is followed by the Tokyo session, which dominates trading volume across the region. Together, these markets create a continuous trading window that extends until early morning in the U.S.
The Asian session includes key financial hubs such as Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong. These centers play a crucial role in providing liquidity and setting early price directions for major currency pairs, especially those involving the Japanese Yen (JPY), Australian Dollar (AUD), and New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
During this session, traders often observe lower volatility compared to the London or New York sessions, making it an attractive period for range trading and scalping strategies. Price moves are generally stable, providing a calmer trading environment for disciplined traders.
Asian Session Opening Bell in EST (Full Timetable)
The Asian session officially opens the global forex week. It begins when the Sydney market opens at 5:00 PM EST on Sunday, followed by Tokyo at 7:00 PM EST. These two markets overlap for several hours, creating a steady trading environment before the London market comes online.
Below is a detailed breakdown of Asian market hours converted to Eastern Standard Time (EST):
| Market | Opens (EST) | Closes (EST) | Notes |
| Sydney (Australia) | 5:00 PM | 2:00 AM | Starts the forex week every Sunday |
| Tokyo (Japan) | 7:00 PM | 4:00 AM | Peak liquidity and price direction originate here |
| Singapore | 8:00 PM | 4:00 AM | Supports steady liquidity in Asian pairs |
| Hong Kong | 8:00 PM | 4:00 AM | Active in major and cross pairs (USD/JPY, EUR/JPY) |
Daylight Saving Time (DST) can cause small adjustments in these times. Traders in regions observing DST should recheck session hours accordingly to align their strategies with market activity.
The Asian session runs approximately 9 hours in total, providing moderate liquidity before the European (London) session begins making it the calmest yet one of the most strategic periods to position early trades for the week.
Overlaps and Market Activity
During the Asian trading session, liquidity and volatility vary depending on which markets are open and overlapping. The most significant overlap happens between Sydney and Tokyo, providing steady trading volume and gradual price movement.
The Sydney–Tokyo overlap runs from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM EST, offering the best opportunities for traders who prefer consistency and lower risk exposure. As Tokyo becomes fully active, currency pairs such as USD/JPY, AUD/USD, NZD/USD, and EUR/JPY show the highest participation and stability.
When the Asian session transitions into the London session, a brief Tokyo–London overlap occurs around 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM EST. This period usually sees a spike in activity and tighter spreads as European traders join in.
While volatility remains lower than in later sessions, this predictability allows traders to use range and breakout strategies effectively setting up positions that often extend into the London session.
Best Time to Trade the Asian Session in EST
The best time to trade during the Asian session in EST is between 7:00 PM and 2:00 AM, when both Sydney and Tokyo markets are open simultaneously. This overlap creates the highest liquidity of the session, offering smoother price action and more predictable spreads.
Traders who prefer a calm yet active market often choose this time window to trade JPY, AUD, and NZD pairs, currencies most influenced by Asian economic activity. These hours are particularly effective for:
- Range traders who capitalize on stable price zones.
- Scalpers seek smaller, consistent gains with tighter spreads.
- Swing traders positioning early for potential London-session breakouts.
It’s also important to note that volatility tends to slow down after 2:00 AM EST, as Tokyo approaches its closing hours. During this quieter phase, price movements narrow, which can be ideal for those who employ low-risk, small-position strategies.
Comparison: Asian vs London vs New York Sessions (in EST)
The global forex market operates 24 hours a day through three primary trading sessions: Asian, London, and New York. Each session has its own personality, volatility, and liquidity levels. Understanding these differences helps traders align strategies with their preferred risk levels and market behavior.
Below is a quick comparison of all three sessions in Eastern Standard Time (EST):
| Session | Open (EST) | Close (EST) | Market Characteristics | Best Currency Pairs |
| Asian (Sydney–Tokyo) | 5:00 PM | 4:00 AM | Stable, low-to-moderate volatility; gradual price action | USD/JPY, AUD/USD, NZD/USD |
| London (European) | 3:00 AM | 12:00 PM | High volatility and liquidity; frequent breakouts | EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/CHF |
| New York (U.S.) | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM | Strong reactions to news and data; overlaps with London | USD/CAD, GBP/USD, EUR/USD |
The Asian session sets the early tone for the trading day. News or data from Japan, China, or Australia can shape sentiment that carries through the London and New York sessions. Meanwhile, traders who prefer structured and predictable movements often use the Asian window to identify potential entry zones for upcoming volatility in Europe and the U.S.
Trading Strategies for the Asian Session
The Asian trading session is known for its consistency, low volatility, and narrow ranges, making it perfect for traders who prefer controlled market conditions. To get the most out of this session, you can apply tailored strategies that suit its rhythm and liquidity profile.
1. Range Trading Strategy
During most of the Asian hours, price movements stay within a defined range.
- Identify support and resistance zones on the H1 or M30 chart.
- Enter buy orders near support and sell near resistance.
- Set tight stop-losses to minimize exposure.
This method works best with USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and NZD/USD pairs with smaller price fluctuations during this period.
2. Breakout Strategy (for Tokyo–London Overlap)
As volatility picks up toward the end of the Asian session, prepare for breakouts around 2:00 AM–4:00 AM EST, when London traders enter the market.
- Monitor key levels formed during the early Asian hours.
- Use pending orders slightly above or below those ranges.
- Target the initial 20–30 pip breakout, adjusting stop-losses quickly.
This setup helps traders capture early momentum that may extend into the London session.
3. News Reaction Strategy
Economic releases from Japan, China, or Australia can temporarily boost volatility.
- Track scheduled announcements using an economic calendar.
- Trade only when liquidity aligns (Tokyo open).
- Focus on pairs directly affected by the data (e.g., JPY pairs for BOJ statements, AUD pairs for RBA decisions).
Key Economic Events Impacting the Asian Session (in EST)
Economic events from Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand have the strongest influence during the Asian session, shaping currency volatility and sentiment for the rest of the trading day. Traders operating in EST should track these releases closely to anticipate market movement and position effectively.
Here’s a breakdown of major economic indicators and their typical impact windows (in EST):
| Country | Event Type | Typical Release Time (EST) | Potential Impact on Pairs |
| Japan (JPY) | Bank of Japan (BoJ) announcements, GDP, CPI, trade balance | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Strong impact on USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY |
| China (CNY) | Manufacturing PMI, GDP growth rate, trade balance | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Influences AUD/USD, NZD/USD, and risk sentiment globally |
| Australia (AUD) | RBA interest rate decisions, employment reports | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Moves AUD/USD, AUD/JPY, AUD/NZD |
| New Zealand (NZD) | RBNZ statements, CPI, GDP | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Drives NZD/USD, AUD/NZD |
Market Correlations
Economic data from China often triggers reactions in Australian and New Zealand currencies due to close trade relationships. Similarly, BoJ policy decisions can ripple into European and U.S. sessions, affecting global risk appetite and yen cross pairs.
How Defcofx Enhances Reaction Trading
Traders can leverage Defcofx’s ultra-fast execution and real-time economic calendar on MetaTrader 5 (MT5) to react instantly to data releases minimizing slippage and maximizing precision. Combined with up to 1:2000 leverage and no swap or commission fees, Defcofx provides a strong edge for both short-term and long-term traders.
Open a Trading Live AccountFinal Thoughts: What Is the Opening Bell for the Asian Session in EST?
The Asian forex session sets the stage for the global trading week, offering traders a steady and predictable environment to begin positioning their strategies. Opening with Sydney at 5:00 PM EST and followed by Tokyo at 7:00 PM EST, it provides around nine hours of moderate liquidity and controlled price movements, ideal for range traders, scalpers, and beginners alike.
While volatility remains lower compared to the London or New York sessions, this calmness allows traders to analyze market sentiment, identify key levels, and prepare for potential breakouts as global activity increases.
Whether trading JPY, AUD, or NZD pairs, mastering the rhythm of the Asian session helps traders build discipline, consistency, and an early edge for the trading week ahead.
FAQs on the Asian Session Opening Bell in EST
The Asian session opens at 5:00 PM EST with the Sydney market, followed by Tokyo opening at 7:00 PM EST. Together, they run until 4:00 AM EST, offering steady liquidity and low-to-moderate volatility.
The optimal trading period is between 7:00 PM and 2:00 AM EST, when Tokyo and Sydney overlap. This window provides higher liquidity and smoother market conditions ideal for USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and NZD/USD traders.
The most traded pairs are:
1. USD/JPY
2. AUD/USD
3. NZD/USD
4. EUR/JPY
These pairs reflect the economic influence of Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, making them the most responsive during local trading hours.
The Asian session sets the tone for global forex movement. Price trends and sentiment established during this time often influence London and New York sessions, especially if major economic data (e.g., from Japan or China) is released.
Yes, it’s considered ideal for beginners due to its predictable market behavior and limited volatility. Traders can practice reading price action, develop risk management habits, and avoid the sharp spikes common in the London–New York overlap.
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