New York Session
The NY Session runs from 8 AM to 5 PM ET. NY is the largest North American financial center and the second-most-active forex hub by volume. The first three hours (8 to 11 AM) overlap with London, producing the most-traded window in global forex.
What is the New York Session?
New York is the largest financial center in the Americas. While NY does not match London for pure forex volume, the overlap window plus US-specific catalysts (FOMC, Treasury auctions, US equity open) makes NY a critical session for any trader.
Practical structure: the first three hours (8 to 11 AM ET) overlap with London and carry the largest directional moves. The middle hours (11 AM to 2 PM ET) often consolidate after the morning push. The late afternoon (2 to 5 PM ET) sees thinner flow as London desks have closed and Asian markets haven't opened.
When to trade New York
Three NY sub-windows:
Pre-NY data (8 to 8:30 AM ET): Most US economic data releases at 8:30 AM ET (NFP, CPI, GDP, retail sales). The pre-release tension and post-release move drive the morning's biggest setups.
NY core overlap (8:30 to 11 AM ET): London + NY are both active. Highest liquidity, tightest spreads, biggest moves. Prime window for US traders.
NY afternoon (11 AM to 5 PM ET): London is closing or closed. Volume thins. FOMC rate decisions (typically 2 PM ET) and the 4 PM equity close are the late-day catalysts worth watching.
Best pairs to trade
USD-paired and Americas-centric pairs lead during NY:
- EUR/USD, GBP/USD: continued from the London overlap, still active. - USD/CAD: Canadian markets are open; NY is the prime session for Loonie flow. - USD/JPY: US-side moves during NY overlap the Tokyo carry-trade flow nicely. - AUD/USD: Australian close is during NY morning; volume tapers afterward. - USD/MXN, USD/BRL: Latin American pairs see their prime volume here.
Skip pure-Asian pairs (NZD-crosses, AUD/NZD) during late NY โ those pairs are dormant until Sydney opens at 5 PM ET.
Top pairs for this session: EUR/USD ยท GBP/USD ยท USD/CAD ยท USD/JPY ยท AUD/USD.
News calendar to watch
NY-session catalysts to track:
- 8:30 AM ET releases: NFP (first Friday monthly), CPI, GDP, retail sales, jobless claims (weekly Thursdays). - FOMC rate decisions: typically 2 PM ET on decision Wednesdays. Press conference 30 minutes later. - US equity open (9:30 AM ET): risk-on / risk-off flows often shift here. - EIA crude oil inventories: 10:30 AM ET Wednesdays. Moves USD/CAD and oil-linked pairs. - Beige Book, FOMC minutes, Powell speeches: scattered throughout the session.
See the full live calendar on the economic calendar, or look up unfamiliar terms in the forex glossary.
New York Session FAQ
What time does the NY Session open?
Why is the NY morning so important?
What is the best pair to trade in NY?
Does the NY Session close on weekends?
When does FOMC announce rates during NY?
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