Whenever a major holiday rolls around, it’s crucial to know exactly when the markets you trade will open—and when they take a break. This Easter weekend brings a slightly unusual mix of closures and normal trading sessions across asset classes. In this update, we’ll walk through each day’s schedule, explain the rationale behind these adjustments, and share tips on how to adapt your trading plan so you don’t miss a beat.

Easter Holiday Trading Schedule

Good Friday – Friday, April 18

  • Forex Pairs: Normal trading hours.
  • Crypto: Normal trading hours.
  • Stocks (Equities): Closed.
  • EU Indices & FTSE: Closed.
  • US Indices & Nikkei: Closed.
  • Metals & Energies: Closed.

Good Friday is traditionally observed by equity and commodity exchanges around the globe. However, since FX and crypto markets operate without a central “closing bell,” you can maintain your positions or enter new ones in those spheres without interruption.

Holy Saturday & Easter Sunday – April 19 & 20

  • Crypto: Still running on its normal weekend schedule.

No other asset classes trade on these weekend days, so if you’re primarily in stocks, futures, or commodities, use this time to review your charts, backtest strategies, or simply rest and recharge.

Easter Monday – Monday, April 21

  • Forex Pairs: Normal trading hours.
  • Crypto: Normal trading hours.
  • Stocks: Normal trading hours.
  • EU Indices & FTSE: Closed.
  • US Indices & Nikkei: Normal trading hours.
  • Metals & Energies: Normal trading hours.

On Easter Monday, equity and commodity markets in the U.S. spring back to life, but European exchanges (including the FTSE and Eurozone indices) stay closed. That means global flow may skew U.S.-heavy, and you might see FX crosses reflecting that imbalance.

How to Adjust Your Trading Strategy

  1. Check Your Positions Before Market ‘Gaps.’ With equities and commodities offline on Good Friday, overnight news can cause price gaps when they reopen. Use stop‑loss orders or hedge with FX or crypto positions if you need to stay exposed.
  2. Leverage Crypto & FX for Weekend Plays. Crypto’s 24/7 liquidity offers chances for weekend scalps. Forex traders can also monitor Asian sessions if you want to stay active.
  3. Plan for Volume Shifts on Monday. With Europe still offline on Easter Monday, trading volume may concentrate in U.S. and Asian markets. Tighter spreads can turn wider, so adjust your risk parameters accordingly.
  4. Use the Downtime Wisely. Over the holiday weekend, revisit your trading journal, refine your setups, and prepare for the week ahead without the pressure of live markets.

Final Thoughts

Holidays can disrupt your normal routine—but they also provide an opportunity to step back, evaluate your strategies, and return refreshed. Keep this Easter trading schedule handy, update your trading platform’s session times, and approach next week fully prepared. If any questions come up, our support team is here to help you navigate the changes.

Happy trading, and enjoy a restful Easter weekend!