What time is it in the Forex World?

In the past, I stayed confused about "what time it is" across the world. That's a serious problem for a serious forex trader.

Keeping track of the time changes like Daylight Saving Time and British Summer time and all of the various clock-shifts across the work can be a very daunting task.

And, to trade forex successfully, you simply must know what time it is in the countries of the world you whose currency you prefer to trade...and know how to relate it to your time zone.

Most people try to use GMT (Greenwich Mean Time, also know as UTC or UT -- "universal time coordinated"). There is never a "time zone change" for GMT, so by using GMT as your reference point, you can always (eventually) figure out "what time it is wherever". But, that's not a very fun or efficient way to do things.

On my Windows desktop, in the Task Bar, I have 7 little tiny analog clock faces...like this:

They show exactly "what time it is", left to right, in Australia, Switzerland, London, GMT, New York, and my local time zone Central/US. You'll notice that they are colored. The clock on the far right I have setup as a semi-orange...It's that color really just to catch my eye and let me separate it from the other clocks. And, the GMT is "always gray". It's my ultimate reference point, as certain charting packages and such use GMT...this way I have a quick reference.

But..the other clocks...those I treat specially. I have them configured so that when the regular work day, and therefore the regular "stock exchange" trading hours are in session in that particular time zone...those clock faces are green. And, when it's the "end of the day" in that area, the clock face turns gray.

Again, this is nothing more than a quick visual reference for me. If I see 3 or more "green clocks", I know that many traders are "in the market". I'm more cautious about my trading when I see only two green clock faces. The fun thing about forex is...there are almost always two green clock faces. Of course, that doesn't mean I'll trade them, as the market could be in hibernation during even "normal hours".

It's interesting how, even after all these years, I still look at these little clock faces. And, there's a good reason for that.

When different countries and regions shift their clocks for Daylight Saving time and such, it can REALLY fool your mind. For example, from early March until the end of March, the difference in time between New York and London is "off by an hour". In other words, those "best times to trade" are shifted.

Keeping up with these time warps is no fun!

So, on my desktop, those little clock faces keep up with the time changes and show me clearly what time it is "wherever".

You can get the same tool I use and easily configure it to help you trade better. Take a look at my desktop clocks above. You can configure these in many different ways than I have...with a great variety of clock faces and colors, many choices of where to locate the time displays, and much more. I believe you'll find this to be a great addition to your trading toolbox.