The MT4/MT5 platforms operate on a specific time zone that shifts between GMT+2 and GMT+3 throughout the year due to daylight saving time changes. This time setting is standard across all FXTRADING.com trading platforms and is independent of your local time zone.
How do I check the current platform time?
The simplest way to determine the current time in your trading platform is to look at the "Market Watch" window. The time displayed there is the official server time that all your trading activities will reference.
Seasonal Time Changes
Summer Period (Daylight Saving Time): GMT+3
Winter Period (Standard Time): GMT+2
These changes typically occur in March (when clocks move forward) and October (when clocks move back), aligning with European daylight saving time practices.
Why Time Zones Matter in Trading
Understanding the platform's time zone is crucial for:
Planning Trades: Market opening/closing times are based on server time
Setting Pending Orders: Time-specific orders execute according to platform time
Reading Charts: Candlestick formations and patterns are aligned to server time
Analyzing Economic Events: Coordinating economic calendar events with your trading platform
Time Zone Impact on Trading Sessions
Major trading sessions based on MT4/MT5 server time:
Sydney: 22:00-07:00 (GMT+3 summer) / 21:00-06:00 (GMT+2 winter)
Tokyo: 00:00-09:00 (GMT+3 summer) / 23:00-08:00 (GMT+2 winter)
London: 10:00-19:00 (GMT+3 summer) / 09:00-18:00 (GMT+2 winter)
New York: 15:00-00:00 (GMT+3 summer) / 14:00-23:00 (GMT+2 winter)
Tips for Managing Different Time Zones
Add Multiple Time Zone Indicators: Consider adding time zone indicators to your charts to track different market sessions
Set Alarms: Configure platform alerts based on server time for important market events
Use the Economic Calendar: Align the economic calendar with the platform's time zone for accurate planning