Note:
The results of the survey are not gender-specific. Regardless of their level of trading experience, traders of both sexes agree that Wednesday is the best day to trade foreign exchange.
The best time to trade Forex in Malaysia
The overlapping hours of the European and American trading sessions, from 8 to 11 a.m. EST, are the best times to trade Forex in Malaysia. And in Malaysian time, this is equivalent to 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. GMT+8.
Understanding the Forex trading sessions is crucial for traders seeking to know the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia. The Forex trading session refers to the specific time when the financial markets are active on different continents. This raises the question: what time does the Forex market open in Malaysia?
The Malaysian Forex market is open from Sunday through Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Malaysia falls under the GMT+8 time zone, which means the Forex market hours differ from the central trading sessions. Here's a breakdown of the Forex trading sessions in Malaysia:
Session | Forex market hours (GMT) | Forex market hours (Malaysia Time (GMT+8)) |
---|---|---|
Asian Session |
Tokyo: Sydney: |
Tokyo: Sydney: |
European Session |
Open: 8:00 AM Close: 5:00 AM |
Open: 4:00 PM Close: 1:00 AM |
American Session |
Open: 1:00 PM Close: 10:00 PM |
Open: 9:00 PM Close: 6:00 AM |
Read on to discover the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia. But before that, let's break down the different time zones in Malaysia.
Are there any Forex trading restrictions I should know about?
Malaysian residents are limited to trading currency pairs involving the MYR strictly with licensed domestic entities. Trading other pairs is allowed with foreign entities.
What is the minimum capital required to start Forex trading in Malaysia?
Many brokers offer micro accounts to start forex trading with minimal capital around $10 USD equivalent, however $1000+ is recommended to properly manage risk.
What trading strategies tend to work well for the Asian sessions?
Range trading, breakout trading at beginning or end of sessions, and volatility spike trading around news events can work well in the Asian sessions.
Is Forex trading considered gambling in Malaysia from a legal perspective?
No, Bank Negara Malaysia clearly defines Forex trading as investment activity, not gambling, when transacted through regulated brokers in Malaysia.
Malaysian Standard Time (MST), or GMT+8, is the applicable time zone, and Malaysia does not observe daylight saving time. While there is only one “time zone” in Malaysia, traders should understand that not all hours of the day are equally suitable for trading. To know when various trading sessions begin and end, traders must be familiar with time zones in countries like London and America. It aids traders in making trading plans and seizing trading opportunities that present themselves during overlapping sessions.
Since Malaysian traders can trade whenever they want, they should not limit themselves to opening positions only in the morning or late at night. Although no particular time zone governs Forex trading, traders can benefit from the differences in time zones. This is because different time zones affect when to trade currencies.
Additionally, the Malaysian time zone appears to be ahead the moment the Forex trading sessions begin in other time zones. However, traders should research the time the market opens in the various Forex trading sessions and integrate it into Malaysian local time (GMT+8) to know when to start Forex trading. As was mentioned earlier, Malaysia Time is eight hours earlier than the Coordinated Universal Time reference. Therefore, you must increase Coordinated Universal Time by eight hours to determine the local standard time.
Based on analysis, the best times to trade Forex in Malaysia are during the London and New York sessions. And this takes place from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM (the following day) GMT+8 and from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM (the next day) GMT+8. Research indicates that the majority of traders are active during this time, and trading volume is very high.
However, this pales in comparison to the volume of trades that are active when two sessions overlap. So the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia is between 8 and 11 a.m. EST. And this is when the European and American trading sessions overlap, which corresponds to 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., GMT+8, in Malaysian time. And the majority of the daily trading volume in the global Forex market tends to occur when these sessions overlap.
Although trading activity varies depending on the time of day, the Forex market is open twenty-four hours a day, five days a week. The Malaysian Forex market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. Note that weekends and federal holidays are off-limits to trading on Malaysia's Forex market. Traders should remember these holidays and adjust their trading strategies, especially those who automate trades.
According to TU experts, traders seeking the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia should start by knowing the best Forex brokers and different Forex trading sessions. Next, learn about the best trading days of the week and the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia. Then, research the best currency pairs to trade during this time.
While this can be daunting and confusing for new traders, TU experts surveyed 2,500 experienced Forex traders. The results of this research explain the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia after choosing a broker.
Results of a survey on the days of the week with the best trading:
Day of the week | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
Monday |
339 |
16% |
Tuesday |
285 |
14% |
Wednesday |
730 |
35% |
Thursday |
400 |
19% |
Friday |
326 |
16% |
Total |
2080 |
100% |
According to the research carried out by TU experts, the best times to trade Forex in Malaysia, as rated by top traders, are:
11% = 0.00 to 6.00 GMT (8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m GMT+8)
38% = 6.00 to 12.00 GMT ( 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. GMT+8)
20% = 12.00 to 18.00 GMT ( 8.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m GMT+8)
31% = 18.00 to 0.00 GMT ( 2.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m GMT+8)
The above results do not negate the fact that the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia is when Forex trading sessions overlap. And this makes 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. (GMT+8) the best Malaysia Forex market hours. So you could include Wednesday and the time stated above in your list of active trading periods.
Key findings of the research conducted by TU experts on the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia:
Wednesday was cited by the majority of respondents as the best day of the week to trade Forex. However, note that this day is not typically the busiest and most liquid day for currency trading
Results from the survey also show that the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia is:
Traders using long-term strategies vote that Wednesday and Monday are the best days to trade Forex
Note:
The results of the survey are not gender-specific. Regardless of their level of trading experience, traders of both sexes agree that Wednesday is the best day to trade foreign exchange.
The most volatile conditions for the Forex market are during the Sydney and Tokyo, Tokyo and London, and London and New York overlaps. And this overlap, which raises the volatility of the Forex market, offers traders an opportunity to buy or sell the following currency pairs.
GBP/JPY
Analysis showing the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia per the Forex trading sessions:
Forex trading sessions (overlap) | Forex market hours | The best Forex pairs to trade |
---|---|---|
Sydney and Tokyo |
Between 23.00 GMT and 7.00 GMT |
|
Tokyo and London |
Between 8.00 GMT and 9.00 GMT |
|
London and New York |
Between 13.00 GMT and 17.00 GMT |
Using a demo or a live account with minimal trading volumes and leverage, a trader must determine whether the preferred currency pair fits their strategy.
A trader in Malaysia should think about the following elements before selecting a currency pair:
The broker's trading terms (spread, commission, slippages, order execution speed, etc.) for each currency pair
Accessibility to news and research materials about the selected currency pair
Risk management components the broker provides
While you try to figure out the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia, remember that there are times you should not trade. The best times to trade Forex in Malaysia are when there is a lot of liquidity, as you must have read in the earlier section. However, the worst times to trade Forex in Malaysia are:
Late on Sunday and in the wee hours of Monday
Whenever there is unusual price movement, major news events, holidays, and when there is less liquidity in the Asian sessions
When you are too busy to monitor the trades
Additionally, if you are ill, traveling, or attending events
Note:
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of recent affairs, financial data, and global and domestic market trends. You can use the information to determine the best time to trade Forex in Malaysia.
The analysis provided on overlapping trading sessions is accurate, but I would caution traders not to focus solely on these periods. Some of the most profitable trading opportunities can occur when volatility is lower, such as during Asian trading hours. It's about finding high-probability setups and trades that fit your strategy, not just chasing volatility.
Generally, the London and New York sessions overlap tends to offer the greatest trading opportunities. However, trading the Tokyo and Sydney overlap can also yield strong results given the more limited participation. This period allows for news-based plays or breakouts to really excel.
Above all, it's crucial for Malaysian traders to backtest ideas rigorously using a demo account first. Market conditions and profitable trades can vary between regions. Develop a trading plan suited to one's own schedule and risk tolerance. Don't fall into the trap of overtrading just because certain times are deemed "most active". Quality is better than quantity.
Author at Traders Union
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.
Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.
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).