London Session — The Volume King

Overview

The London session (8 AM – 4 PM GMT) generates the highest forex volume of any session, accounting for approximately 35% of global FX turnover. EUR, GBP, and CHF pairs are the most active during London hours, with major pairs like GBP/USD and EUR/USD offering the tightest spreads and strongest intraday trends. The London open often sets the daily high or low for major pairs, creating support and resistance levels that traders reference throughout the day. Volatility typically peaks during the first two hours and again during the New York overlap, making this session ideal for day traders who thrive on momentum.

Key Takeaways

• London accounts for ~35% of global FX turnover.
• EUR, GBP, and CHF pairs are most active during London hours.
• The London open often sets the daily high or low for major pairs.
• Volatility typically peaks during the first two hours and again during the NY overlap.

Practical Tips

• Watch for stop-hunts around the Asian range highs and lows at the London open.
• Use the London Breakout strategy to capture the session's initial directional move — read our forex guides for a full walkthrough.
• Be cautious during the mid-session lull (11 AM – 1 PM GMT) when volume dips.