Best Assets To Trade On Weekends

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The best assets to trade on weekends are:

Cryptocurrencies. Available around the clock, perfect for weekend trading.
Stocks. Some stock exchanges are open over the weekends.
Commodities. Plenty of opportunities, driven by global factors.
Index futures. Open on weekends for major indices.

Weekend trading, often overlooked by many investors, presents a unique opportunity in the world of finance. By exploring the various assets available for weekend trading, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, commodities, and index futures, this article will help you with the knowledge required to navigate this unique market space.

Best assets to trade on weekends

Trade cryptocurrencies

You can trade in cryptocurrencies, as these markets are open 24/7. Let's understand in detail about it.

Why aren't crypto markets shutting down?

Unlike traditional financial markets, crypto markets don't shut down, providing investors with the flexibility to trade 24/7, including weekends. This perpetual trading cycle is driven by the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies and the absence of centralized institutions controlling trading hours.

How to start trading crypto on the weekend?

To get started with weekend crypto trading, explore various exchanges and their unique features and offerings. You may also consider following these steps:

Start by choosing an exchange that works well on weekends. Some exchanges don’t run smoothly during weekends, so pick one that offers reliable support and liquidity for popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. This ensures you can execute trades without delays, even when the market is quieter.
Set price alerts and track price movements. The crypto market can be unpredictable on weekends, so it’s smart to set price alerts for the assets you’re watching. This way, you don’t have to stare at the screen all day — alerts will notify you of significant changes, giving you the chance to act quickly.
Stick to high-liquidity, low-risk coins. Instead of diving into smaller altcoins that might not have enough volume, focus on coins for weekend trading like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These coins tend to have higher trading volumes on weekends, meaning lower spreads and less market noise.
Take extra care with risk management. Price swings on weekends can be sharper and faster. To stay safe, set tight stop losses and use smaller position sizes. Stay disciplined with your risk-reward ratio and resist the urge to chase quick profits based on sudden moves.
Test your strategies using weekend data. Crypto markets behave differently over the weekend, so backtest your strategies based on historical weekend data. This can help you understand how assets react during these times and give you a strategic advantage when the weekend rolls around.

Trade stocks

Weekend trading is not limited to just cryptocurrencies; some stock exchanges also offer opportunities for weekend trading. For instance, exchanges in countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel have extended their trading hours to include weekends, providing investors with an extended window to trade stocks. For example:

Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE)

The Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange operates throughout the year, with trading available on all days, excluding specific holidays. This market provides access to a diverse range of assets and securities, including convertible securities, corporate and government bonds, and short-term certificates.

Tadawul Index – Saudi Arabia

The Tadawul market remains open on all days of the week except during certain holidays, which may vary from year to year. You can easily verify and stay updated on these holiday schedules.

Trade commodities

Most commodity markets, like gold and crude oil, take the weekend off, closing on Friday and reopening Sunday night. But if big news breaks over the weekend — like a geopolitical crisis — some platforms offer weekend contracts for precious metals or energy trades. These can give you a chance to act fast, but keep in mind that there’s usually less trading happening, which can make prices swing more than usual. This means it’s easier to face unexpected losses if you’re not careful.

Trade index futures

If you’re tracking markets like the S&P 500 or Dow Jones, you might have noticed that regular index futures don’t run on weekends. However, some brokers offer special weekend futures contracts. These let you trade based on big weekend events — like election results or surprise announcements — but they also come with risks. Since most traders aren’t active, prices can jump around a lot, and you might pay more due to the lower number of buyers and sellers. Weekend trading can be exciting but requires extra caution.

How do financial markets work on weekends?

Stock markets

On Friday evening, as the trading day comes to a close, the major stock exchanges around the world, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, London Stock Exchange (LSE), and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), close for the weekend, signaling a temporary pause in global financial markets.

Some stock exchanges, such as those in Saudi Arabia and Israel, offer weekend trading hours. These markets typically open on Sunday and operate through Thursday, aligning with the workweek in the Middle East.

Futures markets

Futures markets generally like crude oil futures, bitcoin futures on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) initially focused on energy futures but has since broadened its offerings to encompass foreign exchange, interest rate, agriculture, equity, and metal futures. It operates around the clock, typically open 24 hours a day, starting at 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday and concluding at 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday. The only exception is during its maintenance period, which typically commences at 6:05 p.m. ET daily.

Currency markets (Forex)

The Forex market is known for its 24/5 trading schedule. It opens on Sunday at 5:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) and remains open until Friday at 5:00 PM EST. The market observes a brief daily closure during a rollover, typically around 5:00 PM EST on weekdays.

Cryptocurrency markets

Cryptocurrency markets are open 24/7, including weekends. Trading occurs continuously, allowing us to buy and sell digital assets around the clock.

Weekend trading strategies

Weekend trading offers unique opportunities, but success requires tailored strategies:

Gap trading strategy. Analyze price gaps between Friday’s close and Sunday’s open. Many traders capitalize on the expectation that prices will "fill the gap," returning to the previous session's level.
Momentum trading. Use news events or social media trends during the weekend to predict market momentum. Cryptocurrencies are particularly responsive to such triggers.
Mean reversion strategy. Identify overbought or oversold conditions using tools like Bollinger Bands to anticipate reversals in lower-liquidity environments.

Tools and resources for weekend trading

Enhance your trading experience with these tools:

TradingView. Provides comprehensive charting capabilities to analyze price trends and set up trades effectively.
Crypto sentiment analysis tools. Some platforms track real-time market sentiment, particularly useful for crypto assets.
Risk management tools. Some softwares help manage portfolios and assess risk during low-liquidity weekends.

The primary opportunity for weekend trading is the cryptocurrency market. Brokers from this list support cryptocurrency trading on weekends.

Best brokers for trading on weekends
	IG Markets	Blackbird	XPro Markets	iBroker	Tier1FX
Weekend trading
Crypto
Min. deposit, $	1	1	250	1	100
Currency pairs	80	50	50	120	55
ECN Spread EUR/USD	0.8	0.10		0.10	0.1
Max. Regulation Level	Tier-1	Tier-1	Tier-1	Tier-1	Tier-2
Investor protection	£85,000 €100,000 SGD 75,000	€100,000 (ES)	€20,000	€100,000 (ES)
TU overall score	6.87	6.28	5.61	5.52	4.71
Open an account	Study review	Study review	Study review	Study review	Study review

Pros and cons of weekend trading

Extended analysis time. Weekends offer traders valuable extra time to delve into market analysis. With the typical workweek keeping traders busy, weekends provide an opportunity to thoroughly examine charts and stay updated on market developments. This extended analysis time can be empowering to make more informed decisions.
Strategy testing ground. The weekend presents a unique environment with slower market activity, creating an ideal setting to test trading strategies. This is a valuable chance to experiment without risking real capital, facilitating trend identification and strategic refinement.
Early preparations. Utilizing weekends to prepare for the upcoming trading week is a common practice among seasoned traders. It allows them to fine-tune strategies, analyze markets, and gain a competitive edge by being well-prepared when the markets open for the week ahead.

Reduced market liquidity. Weekend trading often suffers from lower liquidity levels. With fewer active participants and the absence of significant economic or geopolitical news, market movements tend to be sluggish. This reduced volatility can limit profit potential.
Limited market and asset options. On weekends, many major markets remain closed, leaving traders with fewer options and less popular assets to trade. This lack of variety can be inconvenient and less flexible compared to weekday trading.
Unusual trading hours. To engage in weekend trading within major markets, traders in some parts of the world must operate during unconventional hours. For instance, in the scenario mentioned earlier, those wishing to trade over the weekend would have only the first four hours of the day available for trading, potentially disrupting their usual trading routines.

In conclusion, while weekend trading offers unique advantages, it also has its own risks involved. These risks, although present on any trading day, can follow during weekends due to lower liquidity and unexpected news events. Keep up with your risk management principles, set clear stop-loss orders, and stay informed to cross these challenges. Weekend trading can be mastered with a well-balanced and informed strategy.

Risks and considerations in weekend trading

While weekend trading presents opportunities, it also comes with risks:

Trading volume tends to be lower on weekends. While weekend trading has its perks, it’s important to realize that liquidity is often reduced. This leads to wider spreads, higher trading costs, and slower execution. If you plan to trade smaller or less-known assets, be cautious. Stick to well-known cryptocurrencies with higher volume to avoid slippage and minimize risk.
Big news can shake things up on weekends. Unexpected news or geopolitical events often hit the market during weekends, leading to price swings. Even when things seem calm, surprises can pop up. Always check the schedule for any major events and use stop-loss orders to protect yourself from sudden moves.
Excessive leverage is a risky move. Beginners may be tempted to over-leverage during weekend trading to maximize returns, but this can backfire quickly. With the unpredictable nature of weekend price moves, a small shift can lead to large losses. Play it safe by using smaller positions and conservative leverage.
Weekend trading can stir up emotions. With fewer participants and a slower market, you might feel more emotionally attached to your trades. Sudden swings can trigger quick reactions, but this can cloud your judgment. Stick to your trading strategy, stay patient, and resist emotional decisions.
Quick profits may be tempting, but don’t forget your long-term strategy. Weekend trading can lead to quick wins, but it’s crucial to keep your broader trading goals in mind. Don't let short-term volatility sway you into making decisions that could affect your long-term plan. Always evaluate how your weekend trades fit within your overall strategy.

Trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, and commodities for optimal weekend profits

When trading on weekends, focus on assets that have strong market presence, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. These cryptocurrencies maintain steady trading volume even during the weekend, which helps reduce the risk of wild price swings. The key to successful weekend trading is understanding how the market behaves on weekends, as lower liquidity and fewer active traders can cause exaggerated price movements. By sticking to stable assets like Bitcoin, you avoid the risks of trading smaller altcoins that can experience sharp drops due to lower trading volume.

Another strategy is to consider trading commodities like gold and oil, which tend to stay liquid and stable over weekends, especially around global events or economic reports. These assets can offer more predictable trading opportunities when compared to cryptocurrencies. However, be mindful of the fact that weekend price moves can be slower, and with fewer traders, sudden reversals might catch you off guard. Make sure to set smaller stop losses to protect yourself from unexpected moves that can occur in quieter weekend markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, successfully trading on weekends hinges on focusing your attention on the right assets—primarily cryptocurrencies and select forex pairs—which remain active when traditional markets close. By zeroing in on these opportunities and applying disciplined strategies, traders can capitalize on volatility and liquidity that persist beyond the standard trading week. For instance, Bitcoin often experiences significant price movements on weekends, while forex pairs like USD/TRY maintain healthy volumes. Ultimately, embracing weekend trading with a clear plan not only expands your market hours but also sharpens your ability to seize profit where others see downtime.

FAQs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of trading cryptocurrencies versus stocks on weekends?

Cryptocurrencies can be traded 24/7, including weekends, offering convenience and flexibility. They also tend to have higher liquidity compared to weekend stock markets. However, they may experience sharp and unpredictable price swings during lower weekend activity. Stocks, by contrast, are only available for weekend trading on select international exchanges, usually with limited options and reduced liquidity, making them less flexible but sometimes more stable.

How do weekend trading hours differ across global markets?

Weekend trading hours vary by asset and region. Major global stock exchanges, such as those in the US and Europe, close on Friday and reopen on Monday. However, some Middle Eastern exchanges, like those in Saudi Arabia and Israel, operate on Sundays. Cryptocurrency markets are open continuously, while most commodity markets remain closed until Sunday night.

Why is market liquidity generally lower during weekend trading sessions?

Market liquidity is usually lower on weekends because many traders and institutions are inactive, and major traditional markets are closed. This leads to fewer buy and sell orders, which can widen spreads and increase the likelihood of price volatility in the available assets.

What precautions should traders take when using leverage during weekend trading?

Traders should be cautious with leverage on weekends due to increased volatility and reduced liquidity. Larger price gaps and lower trading volume can amplify losses. Using smaller position sizes and more conservative leverage helps mitigate these risks during quieter weekend sessions.

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Team that worked on the article

Parshwa is a content expert and finance professional possessing deep knowledge of stock and options trading, technical and fundamental analysis, and equity research. As a Chartered Accountant Finalist, Parshwa also has expertise in Forex, crypto trading, and personal taxation.

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Dan Blystone began his trading career in 1998 as an arbitrage clerk on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). He later traded bond and Eurex futures at proprietary firms such as Altea Trading, gaining valuable experience in high-frequency trading and risk management.

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.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Extra

Xetra is a German Stock Exchange trading system that the Frankfurt Stock Exchange operates. Deutsche Börse is the parent company of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Fundamental Analysis

Fundamental analysis is a method or tool that investors use that seeks to determine the intrinsic value of a security by examining economic and financial factors. It considers macroeconomic factors such as the state of the economy and industry conditions.

Futures contract

A futures contract is a standardized financial agreement between two parties to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as a commodity, currency, or financial instrument, at a predetermined price on a specified future date. Futures contracts are commonly used in financial markets to hedge against price fluctuations, speculate on future price movements, or gain exposure to various assets.

Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform and cryptocurrency that was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and development began in early 2014. It was designed as a versatile platform for creating decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.

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