The Best Times to Trade Forex: Maximize Your Opportunities

Introduction

Forex trading operates on a 24-hour cycle, reflecting its global nature and providing opportunities to trade across various time zones. This continuous activity is driven by the overlapping schedules of major financial centers worldwide, making Forex one of the most dynamic markets in the world.

Understanding when to trade is crucial for maximizing profit potential, as market activity varies significantly depending on the time of day. Certain sessions see high volatility and liquidity, creating opportunities for profitable trades, while others may be slower and less conducive to success.

In this blog, we will delve into the best times to trade Forex, examining key market sessions, session overlaps, and how aligning your trading strategy with these active periods can significantly enhance your trading results.

Understanding Forex Market Hours

The Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, allowing traders from around the globe to participate at virtually any time. This uninterrupted cycle is due to the staggered opening and closing times of major financial centers worldwide.

The Four Major Trading Sessions

1. Sydney Session (10 PM – 7 AM GMT)
   • Marks the start of the trading day.
   • Lower volatility but provides opportunities for trading currencies like AUD and NZD.
2. Tokyo Session (12 AM – 9 AM GMT)
   • Known as the Asian session, it features active trading of JPY and other Asian currencies.
   • Volatility begins to pick up during this session.
3. London Session (8 AM – 5 PM GMT)
   • The most active session, representing significant market liquidity.
   • Key pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/CHF see increased activity.
4. New York Session (1 PM – 10 PM GMT)
   • One of the busiest sessions, especially during the overlap with the London session.
   • USD pairs experience heightened volatility, driven by U.S. economic data releases.

Session Overlaps: High Market Activity

• London-New York Overlap (1 PM – 5 PM GMT)
  • The most active period due to the high participation of traders from both regions.
  • Major currency pairs experience significant movement, creating excellent trading opportunities.
• Tokyo-London Overlap (8 AM – 9 AM GMT)
  • Shorter overlap but offers moderate activity as the Asian session concludes and European markets open.

By understanding these market hours and the activity levels during each session, traders can better align their strategies to capitalize on the most favorable trading periods.

The Most Active Forex Trading Sessions

Certain trading sessions stand out for their high activity levels and liquidity, presenting traders with greater opportunities for profit. Here’s a closer look at the most active Forex trading sessions and their unique characteristics.

London Session (8 AM – 5 PM GMT)

• Why It’s the Busiest Session
  • London is the financial hub of Europe, and its session overlaps with the Asian and New York sessions, attracting traders from all over the world.
  • Approximately 30% of all Forex transactions occur during this session, making it the most liquid and volatile period.
• Key Currency Pairs to Focus On
  • EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/CHF see high trading volumes.
  • Cross pairs involving the Euro (e.g., EUR/JPY) are also actively traded.

New York Session (1 PM – 10 PM GMT)

• High Activity for USD Pairs
  • The session is driven by the U.S. dollar, the world’s most traded currency.
  • Key pairs such as USD/JPY, EUR/USD, and GBP/USD experience significant price movements.
• Market Overlap with London Session (1 PM – 5 PM GMT)
  • This overlap creates heightened volatility, offering numerous trading opportunities.
  • Major economic data releases, such as U.S. employment figures or Federal Reserve announcements, often lead to sharp market movements.

Asian Session (Tokyo, 12 AM – 9 AM GMT)

• Characteristics of the Session
  • The session is relatively quieter compared to London and New York, with less overall volatility.
  • Focuses on the Japanese yen (JPY) and other Asian currencies like the AUD and NZD.
• Best Strategies for Trading
  • Range trading strategies work well due to lower volatility.
  • Look for breakout opportunities towards the end of the session as the London market begins to open.

By tailoring your trading strategies to the characteristics of these sessions, you can take advantage of the unique opportunities they offer.

Forex Market Overlaps: The Golden Hours

Market overlaps are some of the most critical times for Forex traders. During these periods, trading activity and liquidity surge as multiple financial centers operate simultaneously, creating numerous opportunities for profitable trades.

Why Market Overlaps Are Crucial

• Increased Liquidity: The participation of traders from two major regions boosts the volume of transactions.
• High Volatility: Overlaps often lead to rapid price movements, providing more opportunities for traders to capitalize on significant market shifts.
• Narrower Spreads: Due to the heightened activity, spreads (the difference between bid and ask prices) tend to be tighter, reducing trading costs.

Key Overlap Periods

London-New York Overlap (1 PM – 5 PM GMT)

• Why It’s Important
  • This overlap includes two of the most active sessions, accounting for the largest portion of daily trading volume.
  • Major economic reports from the U.S. and Europe are often released during this time, leading to market-moving events.
• Best Currency Pairs to Trade
  • EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, and USD/JPY experience significant price movements.
  • Cross pairs like EUR/GBP also offer trading opportunities due to strong activity in both the Euro and Pound markets.

Tokyo-London Overlap (8 AM – 9 AM GMT)

• Why It’s Significant
  • Though shorter and less volatile than the London-New York overlap, this period bridges Asian and European markets.
  • Traders can find opportunities in currency pairs that include both Asian and European currencies.
• Best Currency Pairs to Trade
  • EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, and AUD/JPY are ideal due to active participation from both regions.

Strategies for Trading During Overlaps

• Focus on news releases that can cause volatility, particularly in the London-New York overlap.
• Use breakout strategies to capitalize on significant price movements.
• Be mindful of potential reversals caused by sudden surges in trading activity.

The Impact of Economic News on Trading Times

Economic news releases are critical drivers of volatility in the Forex market, often creating opportunities for traders to capitalize on significant price movements. Knowing when these events occur and their potential market impact is essential for timing trades effectively.

How Major Economic News Creates Volatility

• Market Sentiment Shift: News releases often cause sudden shifts in sentiment, leading to sharp price movements.
• Increased Liquidity and Participation: High-impact events attract traders globally, resulting in heightened market activity.
• Price Spikes and Reversals: The immediate reaction to news can cause large spikes, followed by retracements as the market digests the information.

Examples of High-Impact Events

1. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP)
   • Released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this report impacts the USD heavily and influences pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD.
   • The NFP release typically causes sharp movements within seconds, making it ideal for short-term trades.
2. Central Bank Decisions
   • Announcements regarding interest rates and monetary policy from central banks like the Federal Reserve, ECB, and BoJ significantly affect their respective currencies.
   • Traders often focus on the accompanying statements for future guidance, leading to prolonged volatility.
3. GDP Reports
   • Gross Domestic Product data reflects the economic health of a country, directly impacting currency strength.
   • Strong or weak GDP numbers compared to expectations can lead to trend changes.
4. Inflation Data (CPI)
   • Consumer Price Index data influences central bank policy decisions, creating volatility in anticipation of rate changes.

Timing Trades Around News Events

• Use an Economic Calendar: Identify when high-impact events are scheduled and prepare your trading strategy accordingly.
• Pre-News Trading: Anticipate market direction based on forecasts and position yourself before the release.
• Post-News Trading: Wait for the initial volatility to settle and trade in the direction of the established trend.
• Set Alerts: Monitor currency pairs closely during major events to act quickly when opportunities arise.

Caution When Trading News

• Widened Spreads: Spreads can increase significantly during high-volatility periods, affecting profitability.
• Slippage: Orders may be executed at prices different from the intended level due to rapid market movement.
• Risk Management: Use smaller position sizes, set stop-loss orders, and avoid over-leveraging to minimize potential losses.

Best Times to Trade Specific Currency Pairs

Timing is a crucial factor in Forex trading, especially when trading specific currency pairs. Each pair is most active during certain market hours, typically aligned with the regions associated with their currencies. Knowing these optimal times can help traders maximize profit potential and minimize unnecessary risks.

EUR/USD: London and New York Sessions

• Why These Hours?
  • The EUR/USD pair is the most traded currency pair globally, combining the Eurozone and U.S. economies.
  • High activity is observed during the London session and the London-New York overlap, as these are the periods of greatest liquidity and volatility.
• Best Time to Trade
  • London Session (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM GMT): Strong activity due to European market participation.
  • London-New York Overlap (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM GMT): High volatility as both markets are active, creating significant trading opportunities.

GBP/JPY: Tokyo and London Overlap

• Why These Hours?
  • This pair combines the British Pound and Japanese Yen, representing two major financial centers: London and Tokyo.
  • The overlap period between the Tokyo and London sessions offers heightened activity for this pair.
• Best Time to Trade
  
  • Tokyo Session (12:00 AM to 9:00 AM GMT): The Yen’s influence is strongest during Asian hours.
  • Tokyo-London Overlap (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM GMT): Volatility spikes as European markets begin trading alongside Tokyo.

AUD/USD: Sydney Session

• Why These Hours?
  • The Australian Dollar is heavily influenced by the Sydney session, which is the home market for AUD-related trades.
  • Economic data releases from Australia and Asian markets drive activity during these hours.
• Best Time to Trade
  • Sydney Session (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM GMT): Best time for trading the Australian Dollar with steady price movements.
  • Tokyo Session: Additional activity driven by trading relationships between Australia and Asia.

USD/JPY: Tokyo and New York Sessions

• Why These Hours?
  • This pair reflects the U.S. Dollar and Japanese Yen, two of the most significant currencies.
  • High activity during the Tokyo session and the New York session, especially during news releases from either country.
• Best Time to Trade
  • Tokyo Session (12:00 AM to 9:00 AM GMT): Focused Yen trading.
  • New York Session (1:00 PM to 10:00 PM GMT): Increased USD activity and volatility.

Key Considerations for Pair Timing

1. Match Currency to Its Region:
   • Trade during the session where the currency’s home market is active.
2. Monitor Overlaps for High Liquidity:
   • Session overlaps provide the most significant price movements and opportunities.
3. Use Economic Calendars:
   • Timing trades with economic releases from the relevant regions ensures you capture the most impactful price movements.

Times to Avoid Trading Forex

While the Forex market is open 24 hours a day, not all trading periods are equally beneficial. Certain times are marked by low activity, reduced liquidity, and unpredictable market behavior, making them less favorable for profitable trading. Avoiding these times can help traders minimize unnecessary risks and improve decision-making.

Low Volatility Periods: Midday Gaps and Holidays

• Midday Gaps:
  • During the middle of sessions, especially the Asian session, trading volumes often decline, leading to lower volatility.
  • Reduced price movement means fewer opportunities for substantial profits, and spreads may widen, increasing costs.
• Holidays:
  • Global or regional holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year’s Day, or national bank holidays) lead to reduced market participation.
  • Thin trading volumes can result in erratic price movements or range-bound markets, making it harder to execute trades effectively.

Weekends: Market Inactivity

• Why Avoid Weekends?
  • The Forex market officially closes at 5:00 PM EST on Friday and reopens at 5:00 PM EST on Sunday.
  • While some brokers offer weekend trading through alternative markets, these are highly illiquid, with wide spreads and increased risks of price gaps when markets reopen.
• Risks of Holding Positions Over the Weekend
  • Significant geopolitical or economic events can occur over the weekend, causing large price gaps when the market opens on Sunday.
  • Traders face increased uncertainty and potential slippage on stop-loss orders.

Trading Immediately After the Market Opens or Before It Closes

• Market Open (Sunday Evening)
  • When the market reopens on Sunday evening (5:00 PM EST), liquidity is often low, and spreads are wide due to limited participation.
  • Price movements during this period can be erratic, making it challenging to execute trades accurately.
• Market Close (Friday Afternoon)
  • As the market winds down on Friday afternoon, trading activity diminishes, and spreads widen.
  • Traders often avoid entering new positions at this time to prevent exposure to weekend risks.

Key Considerations for Timing Avoidance

1. Monitor Market Hours:
   • Focus on the most active trading sessions and avoid low-liquidity periods.
2. Use Economic Calendars:
   • Check for holidays or low-impact trading days in advance to plan your strategy.
3. Beware of Gaps and Slippage:
   • Avoid holding trades during periods prone to significant gaps, such as weekends or market closures.
4. Evaluate Risk vs. Reward:
   • Trading during low-volatility periods often results in minimal returns while exposing traders to unnecessary costs and risks.

By steering clear of these less favorable trading times, Forex traders can focus their efforts on high-liquidity periods, reducing costs and improving the chances of success.

Adjusting Your Trading Strategy Based on Time

To succeed in Forex trading, it’s crucial to align your strategies with the timing and dynamics of the market. Different trading sessions and activity levels require tailored approaches to maximize profit potential while managing risks. This section explores how to adjust your trading strategy based on the time of day and market conditions.

Importance of Aligning Trading Strategies with Active Sessions

• Why Timing Matters:
  • Forex trading is heavily influenced by the session’s activity level. Strategies that work well during high-volatility periods may fail during low-volatility times.
  • Adapting to the session’s characteristics ensures better execution, optimal risk management, and improved profitability.
• Session-Specific Adjustments:
  • London Session: Focus on high-liquidity pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD with momentum-based strategies.
  • New York Session: Use breakout strategies due to volatility spikes, especially during economic data releases.
  • Asian Session: Employ range-bound strategies for JPY pairs as this session tends to be quieter.

Scalping During High-Volatility Periods

• What is Scalping?
  • A strategy focused on making small profits over a large number of trades, often within minutes or seconds.
• Best Times for Scalping:
  • Scalping thrives in high-volatility periods such as session overlaps (e.g., London-New York) or during major economic news releases.
  • High liquidity during these times ensures tighter spreads and faster trade execution.
• Scalping Tips:
  • Use a low-latency trading platform to execute trades quickly.
  • Trade highly liquid pairs like EUR/USD to minimize costs.
  • Incorporate technical indicators like Moving Averages or Bollinger Bands to identify short-term trends.

Swing Trading During Quieter Times

• What is Swing Trading?
  • A medium-term strategy aimed at capturing price trends over several hours, days, or weeks.
• Best Times for Swing Trading:
  • Quieter periods, such as the Asian session, are ideal for swing traders as price movements are more stable, allowing for clearer trend identification.
  • Avoid the noise of high-volatility periods unless the strategy is trend-based.
• Swing Trading Tips:
  • Focus on trend analysis using tools like Fibonacci retracements and trendlines.
  • Monitor macroeconomic events to align trades with long-term market sentiment.
  • Be patient and use wider stop-loss levels to account for larger price swings.

Economic Calendars

• Forex Factory

One of the most popular platforms, Forex Factory provides a comprehensive economic calendar that tracks scheduled news releases, economic reports, and other market-moving events. By following this calendar, traders can stay informed about high-impact events like central bank meetings, employment data, GDP reports, and inflation figures.

• Investing.com

Another reliable tool that offers an economic calendar with filters to sort by currency, country, and importance. Traders can use it to track potential market-moving news and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.

Session Timers

• Market Time Converter

This tool helps traders convert the times of the four major Forex market sessions (Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York) into their local time. It ensures that traders can plan their trades according to the opening and closing times of the markets.

• Trading Platform Indicators

Most trading platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 and TradingView offer built-in session indicators that display real-time session times and overlaps. These help traders identify when the market is most active, as the overlap between London and New York sessions is typically the most liquid and volatile.

• Forex Market Clock

A simple tool available online that displays the time for each Forex session and its overlap periods. It’s a visual tool that makes it easier to understand when market activity peaks.

Volatility Indicators

• Average True Range (ATR)

ATR is a volatility indicator that helps traders assess the level of market volatility. By measuring the average range between high and low prices over a set period, ATR can be used to set stop-loss orders, define trade targets, and adjust position sizes accordingly. Higher ATR values typically indicate more volatile market conditions, which might influence a trader’s risk management strategy.

• Bollinger Bands

Another tool often used to measure market volatility. The bands expand during periods of high volatility and contract during lower volatility, giving traders a visual clue of market conditions.

Price Alerts

• MetaTrader 4/5 Alerts

These platforms allow traders to set alerts for specific price levels or key technical levels like support and resistance. Alerts are triggered when the price hits a specified value, saving traders from having to monitor the market constantly.

• TradingView Alerts

TradingView enables traders to set up alerts based on specific conditions such as price levels, moving averages, or other technical indicators. Traders can get notifications via email, SMS, or app push notifications, ensuring they don’t miss important market events.

• Forex Brokers’ Platforms

Many brokers, such as OANDA and IG, offer built-in price alerts that notify traders about critical price levels, thus helping them react quickly to market changes.

Key Takeaways for Strategy Adjustments

Scalping Suits High-Volatility Periods

Scalping is a short-term strategy that involves making quick trades to profit from small price movements. This strategy is best suited for high-volatility periods, where price fluctuations are more pronounced.

• When to Apply: During market overlaps, especially the London-New York overlap, which is known for its high liquidity and volatility.
• Key Considerations: Traders must stay focused and disciplined, as scalping requires quick decision-making, precision, and efficient use of leverage. Tools like real-time price charts, short-term indicators, and fast execution speeds are essential for this strategy.

Swing Trading Is Ideal for Quieter Times

Swing trading aims to capture medium-term price movements, focusing on larger price swings over a few days or weeks.

• When to Apply: Swing traders can take advantage of quieter market periods, such as during the Tokyo session or the late hours of the London session. These times often provide stable, predictable price movements.
• Key Considerations: This strategy involves less frequent trades and relies on technical indicators, trend analysis, and support/resistance levels to identify optimal entry and exit points. Swing traders can withstand periods of lower volatility but should be prepared for larger market shifts when volatility increases.

Use Session-Specific Characteristics and Tools to Optimize Your Strategy

Different market sessions come with distinct characteristics, so tailoring your strategy to the session can improve outcomes:

London session

High liquidity and active trading of major currency pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD.

New York session

Increased volatility, especially for USD pairs, with an emphasis on U.S. economic data releases.

Tokyo session 

Lower volatility, focusing on JPY and AUD pairs, ideal for slower, trend-based strategies like swing trading.

Key Tools

Use economic calendars to anticipate news events, session timers to track active periods, and volatility indicators like ATR to measure market fluctuations.

Align Your Strategy with Market Activity

By recognizing and adapting to the market’s rhythm, traders can minimize risks and maximize opportunities:

• During active periods (like the London-New York overlap), focus on strategies that take advantage of price volatility, such as scalping or momentum trading.
• During quieter periods (like late Tokyo or early London sessions), adopt strategies focused on longer-term trends, such as swing or position trading.
• Risk Management: Whatever strategy you choose, always prioritize risk management. Adjust position sizes, stop-loss orders, and leverage to suit the current market conditions.

Enhance Efficiency and Capitalize on Opportunities

By matching your trading strategy with the appropriate market sessions and volatility levels, you can increase the likelihood of success.

• Maximize Profit Potential: Trading during high-activity periods ensures you’re operating during the most liquid times, increasing your chances of capturing profitable trades.
• Minimize Risks: Avoid trading during low-volatility times when price movement is sluggish, and opportunities are scarce. Having a disciplined approach to market timing helps to reduce overtrading and emotional decision-making.

Aligning your trading strategy with market conditions, timing, and volatility is key to success in Forex trading. Whether you’re scalping, swing trading, or utilizing position trading strategies, using tools and understanding the market’s behavior during specific sessions will help optimize your trades. By adjusting your strategy based on the time of day and market activity, you can enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and increase your potential for profitability.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Trading Times

When deciding the best times to trade Forex, it’s important to consider several factors that can align with both your personal life and trading goals. Here are the key aspects to take into account:

1. Personal Schedule and Time Zone Alignment with Forex Sessions

• The global nature of the Forex market means that different regions trade at different times, with the four major trading sessions (Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York) operating in different time zones.
• Personal Schedule: Identify when you’re available to trade and whether those hours overlap with the most active market sessions. If you live in the U.S., you might prefer the New York session or the London-New York overlap, while traders in Europe may favor the London session.
• Time Zone Considerations: For example, if you’re in Asia, you may need to adjust your trading strategy based on the Tokyo session’s lower volatility or trade during the London and New York sessions’ overlaps, even if it means trading at odd hours.
• Practical Tip: Align your trading schedule with the sessions that best suit your time availability. This prevents the need to compromise between trading and personal commitments.

2. Trading Style Preferences (e.g., Day Trading vs. Swing Trading)

• Day Trading: If you’re a day trader, you’ll likely prefer times when the market is most liquid and volatile, such as the London-New York overlap or during high-impact news releases.
  • Best Time to Trade: The London session (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM GMT) and the New York session (1:00 PM to 9:00 PM GMT) offer the most opportunities due to increased market activity.
  • Strategy: Day traders thrive on shorter-term price movements, so aligning their trades with high volatility periods increases their chances of success.
• Swing Trading: Swing traders typically look for larger price movements over days or weeks, so they often trade during periods of steady market activity and less volatility.
  • Best Time to Trade: Swing traders might find the Tokyo and early London sessions ideal, where price movements are less erratic and more predictable.
  • Strategy: Since swing traders hold positions longer, they can take advantage of longer-term trends. These traders might avoid the sharp price fluctuations that occur during the New York session.
• Position Trading: For long-term traders who hold positions for weeks or months, it’s less about timing specific sessions and more about understanding macroeconomic conditions, though they might still choose to trade during peak hours for liquidity.

3. Understanding Market Behavior During Different Times of the Day

• Market Behavior in Different Sessions:
  
  • Sydney Session (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM GMT): The Sydney session is quieter, and trading volumes tend to be lower. It’s a good time for traders who prefer less volatile market conditions or for those trading pairs involving the Australian dollar (AUD) or New Zealand dollar (NZD).
  • Tokyo Session (12:00 AM – 9:00 AM GMT): The Tokyo session sees moderate volatility, particularly in JPY currency pairs (like USD/JPY, EUR/JPY). Trading is typically more conservative, and it’s an excellent time for swing traders.
  • London Session (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM GMT): The London session is the most liquid and volatile session. The highest trading volume occurs here, especially for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and other major pairs. Market movements during this time are rapid and can offer many opportunities for day traders.
  • New York Session (1:00 PM – 9:00 PM GMT): This session overlaps with the London session for a few hours, creating an active period that’s ideal for trading USD-related currency pairs. Key U.S. economic data is released during this session, influencing the markets significantly.

Key Considerations

The London-New York overlap is known for high volatility and liquidity, making it the best time for active traders.

The Tokyo session and the early London session are typically less volatile, allowing for more conservative trading strategies like swing trading.

Some traders prefer to avoid the midday gaps (the time between the closing of the London session and the opening of the New York session) when market activity slows down.

Other Considerations

• News Events and Economic Reports: Timing your trades around high-impact news releases can be a double-edged sword. These reports can lead to unpredictable market movements, but they also provide opportunities to capture profits during price swings.
  
• Traders who follow fundamental analysis should be aware of scheduled news events and avoid being overly reactive to immediate market movements. Using economic calendars like Forex Factory is an excellent tool for planning trades around key data releases (e.g., Non-Farm Payrolls, GDP reports, central bank decisions).
• Personal Risk Tolerance: Different trading sessions come with varying levels of risk. For example, the volatility during the London-New York overlap can lead to significant price swings, which might be suitable for aggressive traders but intimidating for those with lower risk tolerance.

To maximize your opportunities in Forex trading, it’s essential to understand not only the time zones and market activity but also how your personal schedule, trading style, and risk tolerance align with these factors. By considering your preferences and aligning them with the right trading sessions, you can improve your efficiency, reduce unnecessary stress, and make more informed decisions that complement your overall trading strategy.

Conclusion

In Forex trading, timing is crucial. The right moment to enter or exit a trade can significantly impact profitability, as market conditions vary throughout the day. Understanding the different trading sessions and their respective characteristics, such as liquidity, volatility, and trading volume, can help traders make more informed decisions and align their strategies with market activity.

Key Takeaways

• Timing is essential in maximizing Forex trading opportunities, whether you prefer fast-paced day trading or more strategic swing trading.
• Align your strategy with the right trading session: Whether it’s the high-volatility London-New York overlap or the steadier Tokyo session, each offers distinct advantages based on your goals.
• Track market sessions and adjust your strategies to take advantage of market peaks during the most active times.

Call to Action

Start tracking market sessions and experiment with adjusting your trading strategies accordingly. By identifying the best trading hours that align with your individual goals and risk tolerance, you can optimize your Forex trading approach and improve your chances of success. Stay disciplined, stay informed, and maximize your opportunities during the most active times!