Best Time To Trade Forex In Egypt: Market Hours & Tax Guide



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Best trading time in Egypt:
London and New York Overlap (3:00 PM β 7:00 PM EET): this period is highly active, with increased liquidity and tighter spreads, offering more trading opportunities. β
Tokyo and London Overlap (10:00 AM β 11:00 AM EET): while shorter, this overlap can present unique opportunities, especially for EUR/JPY and GBP/JPY currency pairs.
Forex trading in Egypt has gained massive traction, attracting both beginners and experienced traders looking to profit from currency price fluctuations. However, knowing the best time to trade Forex in Egypt is crucial for maximizing gains. The Forex market runs 24 hours a day, five days a week, but not all trading hours offer the same opportunities.
Understanding the Forex market sessions helps traders identify the most liquid and volatile periods, increasing the chances of executing successful trades. The London-New York overlap is often the most profitable session, as it sees the highest trading volume. However, some Egyptian traders may prefer early morning or late-night trading based on their schedules.
This guide explores the best Forex trading hours in Egypt, the tax implications of Forex trading, and strategies to maximize profits. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this article will help you navigate Egyptβs Forex market more effectively.
The best time for Egyptian traders to trade
βThe Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, due to the global time differences among major financial centers. For traders in Egypt (Eastern European Time, EET, UTC+2), understanding these market hours can help optimize trading strategies.β
Trading Session | Opening Time (EET) | Closing Time (EET) |
---|---|---|
Sydney | 12:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
Tokyo | 2:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
London | 10:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
New York | 3:00 PM | 12:00 AM |
Optimal trading times in Egypt:
London and New York Overlap (3:00 PM β 7:00 PM EET): this period is highly active, with increased liquidity and tighter spreads, offering more trading opportunities.
Tokyo and London Overlap (10:00 AM β 11:00 AM EET): while shorter, this overlap can present unique opportunities, especially for EUR/JPY and GBP/JPY currency pairs.
Considerations for egyptian traders:
Economic news releases: major economic announcements, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, often occur during these overlaps, leading to increased volatility.
Personal schedule: align trading activities with times of peak market activity to capitalize on the best opportunities.
By focusing on these key trading periods, traders in Egypt can enhance their strategies and potentially improve trading outcomes.
Note: All times are expressed in Egypt Standard Time (EET).
Worst times to trade in Egypt
Certain periods are less favorable for trading due to low liquidity and reduced market activity:β
Late night hours (12:00 AM β 2:00 AM EET). Characterized by low liquidity, leading to wider spreads and slow price movements, making short-term trading less effective.β
Weekends and major holidays. The Forex market is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Public holidays can affect liquidity, making trading riskier.
Taxation of Forex trading in Egypt
Understanding Forex trading taxes in Egypt is crucial for traders aiming to maximize profits while remaining compliant with local laws. The Egyptian tax system has undergone significant changes, impacting how Forex trading activities are taxed.
Regulatory oversight
Forex trading in Egypt is legal and regulated by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). These bodies ensure that trading activities align with national financial regulations, maintaining market stability and investor protection.
Tax obligations for Forex traders
Egypt follows a progressive income tax system. The current tax brackets are:
0%: Annual net income up to EGP 21,000.
10%: Income between EGP 21,001 and EGP 30,000.
15%: Income between EGP 30,001 and EGP 45,000.
20%: Income between EGP 45,001 and EGP 60,000.
22.5%: Income between EGP 60,001 and EGP 200,000.
25%: Income between EGP 200,001 and EGP 400,000.
27.5%: Income exceeding EGP 1,200,000.
Tax residents are required to report their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income sourced from within Egypt.
Reporting requirements
Forex traders must accurately report all trading income and maintain detailed records of transactions. This includes trade dates, amounts, and currency pairs traded. Proper documentation is necessary for tax filings and can be crucial in case of audits. Failure to comply may result in penalties.
Recent tax changes in Egypt
βIn recent years, Egypt has implemented several tax reforms affecting various sectors, including Forex trading. Key changes include:β
Foreign exchange gains and losses
On 27 January 2024, the Egyptian Ministry of Finance issued Decree No. 34 of 2024, detailing the tax treatment of foreign exchange gains and losses for the fiscal year 2023. This decree outlines permissible rates for Forex gains and losses, ensuring consistency in tax reporting.
Capital gains tax
Law No. 199 of 2020 introduced a capital gains tax on profits from the sale of securities, including stocks and bonds. For Egyptian residents, profits from such sales are now taxable, aligning Egypt with international tax practices. β
Amendments to the income tax law
Law No. 30 of 2023 introduced significant amendments to the Income Tax Law No. 91 of 2005. These changes affect various tax provisions, including offshore loans, thin capitalization rules, and definitions related to permanent establishments, capital gains tax, and dividend withholding tax.
Potential tax on foreign revenues
The Egyptian government is considering imposing taxes on local companies that generate revenues from abroad, aiming to ensure a fair distribution of the tax burden and safeguard state revenues.
Tax implications of exchange rate fluctuations
Recent decisions allow companies to undertake optional and temporary accounting adjustments to manage the effects of exchange rate fluctuations until December 31, 2023. This measure enables companies holding assets in foreign currencies to recognize currency differences within the cost of these assets.
Strategies for effective Forex trading in Egypt
Trading Forex successfully requires more than just knowing the best time to trade Forex in Egypt. Egyptian traders must also implement strategies that minimize risk and enhance profitability. Understanding Forex trading taxes in Egypt is also key to ensuring compliance with regulations.
Risk management practices
Successful traders manage risk effectively to protect their capital. High market volatility can lead to both opportunities and losses. Hereβs how to reduce risks:
Use stop-loss and take-profit orders. A stop-loss order automatically closes a trade when a price moves against the trader. A take-profit order locks in gains when the market reaches a favorable price.
Diversify your trading portfolio. Avoid relying on a single currency pair. Consider trading multiple Forex pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.
Staying informed: Economic news & indicators
Forex prices react to global economic events. Egyptian traders should monitor economic indicators to make informed decisions.
Follow central bank announcements. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) influences the Egyptian Pound (EGP) through monetary policies. Interest rate changes and inflation reports affect Forex prices.
Track global financial news. US Federal Reserve (Fed) and European Central Bank (ECB) decisions impact Forex markets. Geopolitical events can cause volatility, affecting major currency pairs.
Use reliable financial news sources. Bloomberg, Reuters, and ForexFactory provide real-time Forex market updates.
Continuous education and community engagement
Take Forex trading courses. Egyptian traders can enhance skills through online trading workshops and courses. Platforms like Babypips, IG Academy and others offer free resources.
Join online Forex trading communities. Engaging with trading forums allows traders to exchange insights. Communities like ForexFactory and TradingView help traders stay updated.
Tax exemptions may exist depending on the company structure.
We have selected a list of the best Forex brokers for traders in Egypt based on regulation, trading conditions, and reliability. These brokers offer competitive spreads, fast execution, and support for local deposit and withdrawal methods like Exness Egypt.
Min. deposit, $ | Copy trading | Currency pairs | Demo | Swap Free | Bonus/Promo | Regulation | Open an account | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100 | No | 40 | Yes | No | Promo | ASIC, SCB, CySEC, FCA | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
|
5 | Yes | 57 | Yes | Yes | Promo | CySEC, FSC (Belize), DFSA, FSCA, FSA (Seychelles), FSC (Mauritius) | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
|
10 | Yes | 40 | Yes | Yes | Bonus | FSC | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
|
10 | Yes | 100 | Yes | Yes | Promo | FCA, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), FSCA, BVI FSC, CBCS, CMA | Open an account Your capital is at risk.
|
|
100 | Yes | 55 | Yes | Yes | Bonus | ASIC, FSCA, FSC Mauritius | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
Maximizing Forex profits in Egypt: Hidden strategies for better trading and lower taxes
If youβre trading Forex in Egypt, donβt just follow session timings β focus on local market movements that matter most. The Egyptian pound reacts heavily to things like government policy shifts, inflation updates, and trade deals. Instead of waiting for the London-New York overlap, keep an eye on the minutes leading up to major economic announcements.
Many big traders make their moves right before news breaks, meaning you can ride the wave before the rest of the market catches on. Check an economic calendar that filters for Egypt-specific events and plan your trades around them. This way, youβre not just reacting β youβre ahead of the curve.
When it comes to taxes, smart traders donβt just pay, they strategize. If you had losses in previous months, you can actually use them to reduce how much tax you owe on future profits. Most traders ignore this, but it can save you a lot. Also, if you trade with a broker that offers different types of accounts, you might be able to structure your earnings differently to stay in a lower tax bracket.
If youβre making serious profits, consider setting up a small business for your trading β it could come with tax benefits that individual traders donβt get. Egyptβs tax rules can change fast, so having someone who understands digital trading taxes can help you keep more of your money.
Conclusion
Understanding the best time to trade Forex in Egypt is essential for traders aiming to maximize profitability. The London-New York overlap (3:00 PM β 7:00 PM EET) is the most active session, offering high liquidity, tighter spreads, and strong price movements.
For traders who cannot trade during this peak session, the early morning Tokyo-London overlap (7:00 AMβ10:30 AM EET) and evening trading hours (7:00 PMβ10:30 PM EET) provide alternative opportunities. However, trading during the Sydney session (12:00 AM β 7:00 AM EET) or on weekends is not ideal due to low liquidity and wide spreads.
FAQs
Is Forex trading legal in Egypt?
Yes, Forex trading is legal in Egypt but must be conducted through regulated brokers. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) oversees financial regulations, ensuring fair trading practices.
When does the Forex market operate in Egypt?β
The Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, from Monday to Friday, due to overlapping global trading sessions.β
Egyptian traders need to pay taxes on Forex trading?
Yes, Forex trading taxes in Egypt apply to profits. Egyptian tax residents must report trading income, which is subject to progressive income tax rates. Traders should consult financial experts for compliance.
How can Egyptian traders manage risk during high-volatility periods?β
Implementing risk management strategies, like setting stop-loss orders and limiting position sizes, is crucial during high-volatility periods.
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Team that worked on the article
Peter Emmanuel Chijioke is a professional personal finance, Forex, crypto, blockchain, NFT, and Web3 writer and a contributor to the Traders Union website. As a computer science graduate with a robust background in programming, machine learning, and blockchain technology, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of software, technologies, cryptocurrency, and Forex trading.
Having skills in blockchain technology and over 7 years of experience in crafting technical articles on trading, software, and personal finance, he brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the table. His skill set encompasses a diverse range of personal finance technologies and industries, making him a valuable asset to any team or project focused on innovative solutions, personal finance, and investing technologies.
Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.
As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.
Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).