{"id":664732,"date":"2025-08-15T09:18:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T07:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ftmo.com\/?p=664732"},"modified":"2025-08-15T15:15:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T13:15:21","slug":"why-traders-favour-the-us-trading-session","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ftmo.com\/en\/why-traders-favour-the-us-trading-session\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Traders Favour the US Trading Session"},"content":{"rendered":"
In trading, timing matters just as much as what you trade. The global market runs 24 hours a day, five days a week, but not every hour holds the same potential. If you\u2019ve ever seen a sharp move after US economic data or during the Wall Street open, you already know certain times stand out.<\/em><\/p>\n Each trading day follows the rhythm of the world\u2019s largest financial centres. Activity peaks at different times, with each session shaped by its region\u2019s market drivers and liquidity. The table below shows the main sessions and highlights when activity tends to reach its peak<\/strong>. Understanding these patterns helps you time your entries during periods of higher volatility and stronger opportunities.<\/p>\n The US trading session is often described as the heart of global markets. Here\u2019s why:<\/span><\/p>\n \u2022 The US dollar (USD) is involved in 80\u201390%<\/strong> of all forex transactions. The US session is more dynamic than the calmer Asian hours or the technical European session. It brings emotion, speed, and decisive price action. Here are the key trader types who benefit most from these conditions:<\/p>\n \u2022 Intraday traders seeking strong moves and quick opportunities. Traders on other continents may need to wake up early or trade after midnight. European traders, like their US counterparts, can access the US session during the day. This allows them to trade rested and focused, choosing moments with the best opportunities and cleanest moves.<\/p>\n The US session offers a unique blend of liquidity, volatility, and market-moving news, making it a prime environment for well-defined trading approaches. Below are three strategies that take advantage of the session\u2019s distinct characteristics, from high-energy opens to data-driven reversals and sustained trend moves.<\/span><\/p>\n When:<\/strong> 15:30\u201316:00 CET<\/span><\/p>\n Instruments:<\/strong> S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, EUR\/USD, gold, oil<\/p>\n Description:<\/strong> The US equity market open often causes a sudden surge in volume, breaking out of the narrow range formed during the Asian and European sessions. The \u201cOpening Range Breakout\u201d capitalises on a move beyond the initial price range formed in the first 15\u201330 minutes of trading.<\/p>\n Why it works in the US session:<\/strong> US equity indices and USD pairs often produce strong impulsive moves that can be captured using stop orders or by tracking volatility with tools such as ATR<\/a> or VWAP<\/a> breaks.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> 14:30 or 16:00 CET<\/span><\/p>\n Instruments:<\/strong> USD pairs, gold, US indices<\/span><\/p>\n Description:<\/strong> Major US economic data (CPI, NFP, PCE, sentiment data, jobless claims) often trigger sharp initial moves that can be excessive. A mean reversion strategy seeks to profit from the market\u2019s tendency to return to equilibrium, particularly when the data surprise is not extreme.<\/span><\/p>\n Why it works in the US session:<\/strong> Initial market reactions can be fast and aggressive, but the subsequent pullback offers experienced traders opportunities to enter short-term trades back towards the mean (EMA, VWAP).<\/span><\/p>\n When:<\/strong> 14:00\u201317:00 CET<\/span><\/p>\n Instruments:<\/strong> EUR\/USD, GBP\/USD, S&P 500, oil<\/span><\/p>\n Description:<\/strong> The overlap between the London and New York sessions delivers the highest volumes and cleanest trends of the day. If the market has already indicated direction before the overlap, it can often be confirmed and continued during this window.<\/span><\/p>\n Why it works in the US session:<\/strong> The market digests information from both continents, and if momentum holds, the move often extends into the close of the US session.<\/span><\/p>\n The US market offers high volatility and strong fundamentals. Traders with a clear plan and discipline can find opportunities in any style. Whether you trade technicals, follow macro trends, or scalp, the US session rewards those who know its patterns and act with precision.<\/p>\nMajor Trading Sessions and Their Characteristics<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
Why the US Session is the Heart of Global Trading<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>\u2022 US economic data<\/strong>\u00a0(CPI, NFP, and FED decisions) are among the most closely watched events worldwide.
\n<\/span>\u2022 The Wall Street open<\/strong> at 15:30 CET triggers a huge surge in volume that can often completely shift market sentiment.
\n<\/span>\u2022 Indices such as the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow Jones act as barometers of global investor confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
Who Is the US Session Best Suited For?<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>\u2022 Fundamental traders reacting to macroeconomic data.
\n<\/span>\u2022 European traders who have time in the afternoon and evening.
\n<\/span>\u2022 Swing traders waiting for directional confirmation during the most liquid hours.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Time Zone Advantage<\/span><\/h3>\n
Trading Strategies for the US Market<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Breakout Strategy at the Wall Street Open<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Mean Reversion After Macroeconomic Data<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n3. Trend-Following During the London\u2013New York Overlap<\/span><\/h3>\n