The global markets create a continuous 24-hour trading cycle. Here's when each major market opens in UTC time:
Wellington
9:00 PM UTC
First to open
Sydney
11:00 PM UTC
Major Asia-Pacific
Tokyo
12:00 AM UTC
Asia opens
Hong Kong
1:30 AM UTC
China region
Mumbai
3:45 AM UTC
Indian subcontinent
London
8:00 AM UTC
Europe opens
New York
2:30 PM UTC
Americas open
Trading Tip: The most liquid trading periods are when major markets overlap - particularly the London-New York overlap (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM UTC).
Extended Hours Trading
Understanding Pre-market and After-hours
Many major exchanges offer extended trading hours beyond regular market sessions:
Pre-market Trading
Lower volume and liquidity
Wider bid-ask spreads
React to overnight news
Earnings announcements
After-hours Trading
React to earnings releases
Economic data announcements
Corporate news and events
Limited order types
Risk Warning: Extended hours trading carries higher risks due to lower liquidity, higher volatility, and wider spreads. Only experienced traders should participate.
Global Market Holidays 2025
Major Holiday Closures
Plan your trading around these major global market closures:
Universal Closures
January 1: New Year's Day (Most markets)
December 25: Christmas Day (Most markets)
December 31: Many markets close early
Regional Holidays
Chinese New Year: Jan 29 - Feb 2 (Asia)
Golden Week: Apr 29 - May 5 (Japan)
Diwali: Oct 20 (India)
Boxing Day: Dec 26 (UK, Australia)
Pro Tip: Holiday schedules can change. Always verify with the specific exchange before major holidays, especially for half-day trading sessions.
Global Trading Tips
Timing Your Trades
London-NY Overlap: Highest volume (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST)
Asian Session: Best for Asian stocks and currencies
Friday Afternoons: Lower volume, avoid major positions
First 30 minutes: High volatility, wait for stability