Economy
Forex Session Times in Philippines – TU Experts Described Optimal Trading Times
The intricacies of the foreign exchange market, which commands a staggering daily trade volume of over $5 trillion, have long intrigued traders. Recognized as the world’s most expansive financial playground, its decentralized nature stands in contrast to conventional stock exchanges. Instead of a physical trading floor, forex operates over the counter through interconnected global computer networks. This system grants traders from every corner of the globe, including the Philippines, unrestricted access. Yet, while it remains open 24/7, analysts at Traders Union point out that it’s a misconception that profitability remains constant throughout. This comprehensive guide from TU will shed light on the Forex session times in Philippines tailored for Filipino traders.
Time Zones in the Philippines: Navigating Forex Trading Windows
Forex might be a global phenomenon, but Traders Union experts stress that its heartbeat varies depending on the time zones and the bustling financial centers active within those hours. For diligent traders in the Philippines, mapping these sessions can pave the way for maximized returns.
- Asian Forex Session:
Beginning at 7:00 AM and wrapping up at 4:00 PM Philippine Standard Time (PHT), the Asian session is a hub of activity. Financial powerhouses such as Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai fuel this session’s vibrancy. Filipino traders can witness significant movements, especially with currency pairs like USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and NZD/USD. It’s a golden window for those eyeing the Asian market dynamics. - European (London) Session:
Operating from 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM PHT, this session is particularly riveting. Why? It not only overlaps with the tail end of the Asian session but also ushers in trading from London – a titan in the forex arena. The blend of Asian closeout and European commencement creates a melting pot of volatility. For those in the Philippines, pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/CHF often witness substantial fluctuations. - New York Session:
Lasting from 8:00 PM PHT to the early hours of 4:00 AM PHT the subsequent day, the New York session is a heavyweight. Its significance is amplified as it overlaps with the European window and also marks the trading onset in New York, another behemoth in the currency world. For those nestled in the Philippines and looking to exploit this period, diving into currency pairs like USD/CAD, USD/CHF, and USD/JPY might prove fruitful.
Unraveling the Prime Forex Trading Slots in the Philippines
Amid the individual significance of each trading session, TU analysts argue that some moments emerge brighter than others. These are times when multiple sessions overlap, leading to a crescendo of trading activity:
- From 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM EST, the convergence of Tokyo and London sessions unfolds.
- Between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM EST, New York and London sessions intertwine, ushering in heightened action.
- Later, from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM EST, the Tokyo and Sydney sessions overlap, creating another hotspot.
When to Exercise Caution in Forex Trading
While the allure of forex is undeniable, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all hours promise gold. According to Traders Union experts, certain periods are best approached with restraint:
- Weekends: Specifically, the afternoons of Friday and Sunday. While trading is technically possible, the market often witnesses reduced liquidity, leading to potentially unfavorable wider spreads.
- Bank Holidays: These can throw a spanner in the works, especially if they coincide with globally significant business days. Liquidity can dip, and unpredictable swings might ensue.
- Major News Releases: Global events, whether political, economic, or social, can inject volatility into the market. Whether it’s election results or major policy shifts by central banks, such moments can be treacherous for the unprepared.
Conclusion
The world of forex offers an exhilarating journey for those equipped with knowledge. As TU experts have concluded, for traders in the Philippines, this means understanding the ebb and flow of different trading sessions. By aligning strategies with peak activity hours and treading cautiously during volatile or unpredictable times, one can chart a course toward consistent profitability in the forex market.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is seeking a reduction in import duty exemptions, which rose to N34 trillion, limiting its ability to increase its revenue generation threshold.
The Comptroller-General of the Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the value of import duty exemption certificate approvals increased to that level in 2025, describing the policy as one of the major factors restricting its revenue generation.
At an investigative session of the Senate Committee on Finance with revenue-generating agencies in Abuja on Monday, Mr Adeniyi explained that government fiscal policies have continued to impact the revenue-generating capacity of the Customs Service, both positively and negatively.
“The NCS would have generated significantly higher revenue over the years if not for government-approved import duty waivers and other external factors affecting collections,” he said.
He added that the Import Duty Exemption Certificate scheme, introduced in March 2020, accounted for about N34 trillion in approvals in 2025, with nearly 60 per cent covering duty-free importation of military hardware due to Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.
Other government-backed duty waivers, he noted, covered the importation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), electric and hybrid vehicles, healthcare equipment and medical supplies, industrial machinery and manufacturing inputs, as well as food import intervention programmes.
While acknowledging the impact of the waivers on Customs revenue, Mr Adeniyi argued that fiscal policy should not be assessed solely on the basis of revenue generation but also on its broader economic and social objectives.
He, however, urged the federal government to establish stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure beneficiaries of duty waivers deliver the intended economic outcomes, including lower consumer prices, increased local production and improved healthcare access.
The committee also expressed displeasure over the absence of several heads of government agencies invited to the hearing, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Mr Sani Musa, warned that the affected chief executives must appear at the committee’s next sitting or face severe sanctions under the Senate’s rules.
In the competitive world of online trading, finding a trading brokerage partner that balances reliability, technological innovation, and accessible conditions is essential. Headway broker has emerged as a significant player, currently serving over 4 million users globally.
In this article, we take a detailed look at what makes this broker for trading a notable option for both novice and experienced traders.
Headway Regulatory Foundation and Safety
Safety is the cornerstone of any trading relationship. Headway broker operates under the regulation and licensing of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This regulatory oversight ensures that the broker adheres to strictly defined standards for transparency and operational conduct, providing traders with an added layer of security and confidence when managing their portfolios.
Trading Platforms and Instruments
Efficiency in trading Forex and other markets is driven by the tools at your disposal. Headway provides a robust technological trading ecosystem:
Industry-Standard Platforms: The broker fully supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the most widely used platforms for technical analysis and automated trading.
Proprietary Mobile App: For traders who prioritize mobility, Headway offers its own custom-built trading app. It is readily available for download on both Google Play and the App Store, allowing for seamless account management and trading on the go.
Diverse Market Access: Traders have a wide range of opportunities with access to over 300 trading instruments, ensuring plenty of choice for different strategies and asset classes.
Trading Account Types Offered by Headway
Headway broker understands that every trader enters the market with a different level of experience:
Three Account Tiers: To ensure inclusivity, the broker offers three distinct types of accounts (Cent, Standard and Pro), tailored to suit different levels of expertise and capital requirements.
Demo Account: For those looking to refine their skills without financial risk, Headway provides a comprehensive demo trading account. This is the perfect environment to practice strategies, understand how the platform works, and gain confidence before transitioning to live trading.
Customer Support and Incentives
Headway supports its user base with comprehensive resources and financial incentives:
24/7 Technical Support: Market fluctuations happen at any time. Headway provides round-the-clock technical support for the traders, ensuring that help is always available whenever a question or issue arises.
150$ No Deposit Bonus: To help new traders get started, Headway offers a $150 no deposit bonus. This is an excellent way to test the broker’s execution speed and trading environment with zero initial risk.
IB Partnership Program: Beyond individual trading, Headway fosters growth through its Introducing Broker (IB) partnership program. This allows partners to build their business and earn commissions by referring new traders to the platform.
Conclusion
With its combination of FSCA regulation, a vast range of instruments, and modern platforms like MT4, MT5, and its own proprietary app, Headway FX broker provides a comprehensive environment for modern traders. Whether you are using the demo account to hone your skills or taking advantage of the 150 no deposit welcome bonus, this broker offers the stability and tools needed for your trading journey.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange rose by 0.40 per cent on Monday, July 13, buoyed by buying interest in 11 Plc, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and UBN Property Plc, which offset the profit-taking in Food Concepts Plc, the parent company of Chicken Republic.
11 Plc gained N20.69 to end at N227.64 per share compared with last Friday’s price of N206.95 per share, CSCS Plc grew by N1.83 to N91.48 per unit from N89.65 per unit, and UBN Property Plc added 1 Kobo to sell at N1.81 per share versus N1.80 per share.
On the flip side, Food Concepts Plc depreciated by 24 Kobo to close at N2.45 per unit, in contrast to the preceding session’s N2.69 per unit.
As a result, the market capitalisation increased by N9.2 billion to N2.587 trillion from N2.578 trillion, and the NASD Security Index (NSI) improved by 15.33 points to 4,311.67 points from 4,296.34 points.
Yesterday, the volume of securities traded by investors surged by 615.9 per cent to 9.1 million units from the previous 1.3 million units, and the value of securities rose by 997.1 per cent to N320.4 million from the preceding session’s N29.2 million, while the number of deals decreased by 12.5 per cent to 28 deals from last Friday’s 32 deals.
At the close of trades, Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc remained the most active stock by value on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units valued at N8.4 billion, followed by Infrastructure Credit Guarantee (Infracredit) Plc with 2.3 billion units worth N6.5 billion, and CSCS Plc with 73.9 million units exchanged for N5.2 billion.
GNI Plc also closed the session as the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis, with 3.4 billion units sold for N8.4 billion, followed by Infracredit Plc with 2.3 billion units traded for N6.5 billion, and Resourcery Plc with 1.1 billion units transacted for N415.7 million.
