Singapore Forex Market Hours: Best Times to Trade for Maximum Profit
Written by Akash Khanna
Edited by Samuel Black
Fact-checked by Lisa Khan
Last Updated – 22 July 2025
If you’re looking to start or optimise your forex trading in Singapore, one of the most underrated (yet powerful) elements of strategy is understanding the Singapore forex market hours. Knowing when to trade is just as important as knowing what to trade.
And let’s be honest — timing is everything, especially in a market that operates 24 hours a day.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how the forex hours work, when global markets open and overlap, and what that means specifically for Singapore forex traders. Whether you’re trading majors like EUR/USD or volatile pairs like GBP/JPY, this article will help you plan your trades better, avoid dead zones, and capitalise on the market’s most liquid hours.
- What Are the Singapore Forex Market Hours?
- When Is the Singapore Forex Market Most Active?
- Best Time to Trade Specific Currency Pairs in Singapore
- Why Market Overlaps Matter in Forex Trading Singapore
- Singapore Public Holidays and Forex Trading
- Choosing the Right Forex Broker Based on Market Hours
- What Affects Forex Volatility During Singapore Hours?
- Singapore Forex Market Hours vs Stock Market Hours
- Ideal Trading Schedule for a Singaporean Trader
- Tools to Optimise Your Forex Trading Hours
- Avoiding Common Mistakes with Forex Hours in Singapore
- Timing Is Everything in Forex
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Singapore Forex Market Hours?
The Singapore forex market hours align with the global forex trading schedule. The market runs 24 hours a day, 5 days a week — from Monday morning to Saturday early morning (Singapore time).
🕒 Global Forex Sessions (Singapore Time – SGT)
| Session | Opening Time (SGT) | Closing Time (SGT) |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 5:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Tokyo | 7:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| London | 3:00 PM | 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| New York | 8:00 PM | 5:00 AM (next day) |
As you can see, Singapore forex market hours span the Asia-Pacific, European, and US sessions — giving you plenty of opportunities to trade. But not all hours are created equal.
When Is the Singapore Forex Market Most Active?
While the market technically never sleeps from Monday to Saturday morning, activity levels differ greatly. Volatility and volume tend to surge when two sessions overlap.
🔥 Most Active Forex Hours in Singapore
| Overlap Session | Time (SGT) | Activity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo–London | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Medium |
| London–New York | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Very High |
| Tokyo–Sydney | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Moderate |
💡 For most forex traders in Singapore, the best time to trade is from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM, when London and New York overlap.
Best Time to Trade Specific Currency Pairs in Singapore
The ideal trading window also depends on the currency pair you’re focused on. Here’s when each pair sees its highest volatility and liquidity.
⏰ Best Trading Hours by Currency Pair (SGT)
| Currency Pair | Ideal Time (SGT) | Why Trade Then? |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | London & NY overlap |
| GBP/USD | 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM | High volatility from London session |
| USD/JPY | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Tokyo + Singapore traders active |
| AUD/USD | 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sydney open; overlaps with Asia |
| USD/SGD | 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM | NY session drives most movement |
Pro tip: Avoid trading during 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM SGT — that’s the global lull when both London and New York are closed. You might as well go sleep lah.
Why Market Overlaps Matter in Forex Trading Singapore
Overlaps are key because they create liquidity and volatility — two ingredients traders love.
When two major sessions are active, more participants flood the market. This results in:
-
Tighter spreads
-
Faster execution
-
More predictable chart patterns
-
Breakouts and trend continuations
This is when brokers like HFM, FBS, and Tickmill shine — offering ultra-low spreads and rapid execution during volatile hours.
Singapore Public Holidays and Forex Trading
The forex market doesn’t close for Singapore public holidays unless it overlaps with global market closures.
However, liquidity may drop, especially during major holidays like:
| Singapore Holiday | Date (Approx) | Trading Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese New Year | Jan/Feb | Lower Asia volatility |
| Hari Raya Puasa | April | Quiet Asia session |
| National Day | 9 August | Little effect |
| Christmas & New Year | Dec 25–Jan 1 | Low global volume |
💬 Note: Even when Singapore forex market hours remain open, it’s best to avoid trading during low volume periods as spreads widen and execution quality drops.
Choosing the Right Forex Broker Based on Market Hours
Now that you know when to trade, the next big decision is who to trade with.
We recommend these three top forex brokers in Singapore:
| Broker | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| HFM | Tight spreads, fast execution, MT4/MT5 | Day traders, EAs, swing traders |
| FBS | Low entry cost, Cent accounts | Beginners, small accounts |
| Tickmill | ECN-style execution, scalping-friendly | Advanced traders, scalpers |
💡 HFM offers VPS hosting, zero spread accounts, and top-tier education — perfect for Singaporeans trading the London and New York hours.
What Affects Forex Volatility During Singapore Hours?
Not all trading days are equal. Economic news and data releases play a big part in market movement.
📰 Top Events to Watch (SGT time shown):
| Event Type | Time Released (SGT) | Affects |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Farm Payroll (US) | 8:30 PM (1st Fri) | USD pairs |
| FOMC Rate Decisions | 2:00 AM | USD, gold, indices |
| ECB Press Conference | 8:30 PM | EUR pairs |
| BOJ Policy Announcements | 9:00 AM | JPY pairs |
| SG Core Inflation | 8:00 AM | USD/SGD, regional sentiment |
For Singapore forex traders, news events during NY and London hours are where the real movement happens.
Singapore Forex Market Hours vs Stock Market Hours
Many new traders ask: why not just trade stocks?
Let’s compare the two:
| Factor | Forex (CFDs) | SGX Stocks |
|---|---|---|
| Market Hours | 24/5 (global) | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM SGT |
| Liquidity | Very high | Moderate |
| Leverage | Up to 1:500 (via HFM) | Limited |
| Trading Direction | Long and short | Shorting is limited |
| Instruments | Forex, gold, indices, crypto, etc. | Singapore stocks only |
📊 Verdict: Forex in Singapore offers more flexibility, more hours, and more trading opportunities.
Ideal Trading Schedule for a Singaporean Trader
Whether you’re part-time or full-time, here’s a sample schedule to follow based on the Singapore forex market hours:
| Trader Type | Ideal Time to Trade (SGT) | Best Pairs |
|---|---|---|
| Office worker | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY |
| Full-timer | 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Wide range |
| Morning trader | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM | USD/JPY, AUD/USD |
| News trader | Based on calendar | USD pairs, gold, indices |
Use platforms like HFM’s MT5 to set alerts and news filters during your off hours so you don’t miss setups.
Tools to Optimise Your Forex Trading Hours
Trading at the right time is easier with the right tools.
🔧 Must-Have Tools:
| Tool | Broker Support | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Calendar | All 3 brokers | Plan trades around news |
| Time Zone Converter | Built-in (HFM) | Sync with GMT/EST announcements |
| Autochartist | HFM, Tickmill | Pattern recognition |
| VPS Hosting | HFM | 24/5 uninterrupted EAs |
| Custom MT4 Indicators | All | Session overlays, volatility |
HFM’s platform comes preloaded with all the key tools to monitor forex hours, market overlap, and economic impact.
Avoiding Common Mistakes with Forex Hours in Singapore
Even experienced traders slip up by:
-
Trading during dead hours with poor liquidity
-
Ignoring daylight savings time shifts in London/NY
-
Forgetting public holidays and news spikes
-
Using brokers with slow execution during volatile hours
⚠️ Always sync your trading schedule with the Singapore forex market hours and use a regulated broker like HFM, FBS, or Tickmill to avoid delays or slippage.
Timing Is Everything in Forex
The Singapore forex market hours provide an excellent window for traders to access all major global sessions, from Asia to Europe and the U.S. Knowing when to trade can drastically improve your results — especially if you’re using the right tools, accounts, and brokers.
If you’re serious about forex trading Singapore, HFM stands out as the top choice. With their lightning-fast execution, flexible accounts, and world-class tools, HFM is perfectly aligned with Singapore’s active trading hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What time does the forex market open in Singapore?
The Singapore forex market opens at 5:00 AM (SGT) on Monday with the Sydney session and runs continuously until Saturday morning around 5:00 AM.
❓ What’s the best time to trade forex in Singapore?
The most active time is from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM, when the London and New York sessions overlap. This is ideal for trading major currency pairs with high liquidity.
❓ Are Singapore public holidays affecting forex trading?
The market remains open during Singapore holidays, but liquidity may drop during major Asian holidays like Chinese New Year.
❓ Can I trade forex in Singapore as a beginner?
Yes, platforms like HFM, FBS, and Tickmill offer beginner-friendly accounts (like HFM Micro or FBS Cent) and free educational tools.
❓ What platforms are best for Singapore forex traders?
MT4 and MT5 are the best platforms for Singapore traders. HFM supports both and offers bonus features like VPS and integrated calendars.
❓ Does daylight savings affect forex market hours?
Yes. London and New York adjust for daylight saving time. This shifts the overlap windows by 1 hour. Always use an updated trading calendar.
❓ Which forex broker is best for Singapore traders?
HFM is our top recommendation, offering a balance of spreads, speed, and Singapore-friendly tools. FBS and Tickmill are also reliable alternatives.
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