Trading hours and overtrading

A market that never closes removes a natural safeguard: the moment when you have to stop.

The 24/7 trap

With forex, the weekend forces a break. Volatility 75 gives you no such break. If you have just had a loss at midnight, the next trade is always available, and that is how many accounts get hurt.

Set your own closing time

Your plan should say:

• When you trade. Choose fixed hours that fit around your life and sleep.
• How many trades per session. Set a limit, and stop when you reach it.
• Your daily loss limit. Once you hit it, close the platform until tomorrow.

Warning signs

• You open the platform without having planned to.
• You trade late at night, or instead of sleeping.
• You place a trade right after a loss to win it back.
• You feel restless when you are not watching the chart.

If you notice these signs, take a break. If trading is starting to affect your money, sleep or relationships, talk to someone you trust or a qualified professional.

Key point

The market being open is not a reason to trade. Write your hours down and treat them as a firm rule.