Forex trading is an exciting market that runs 24 hours a day, but not all hours are created equal. If you’re serious about improving your trades, you need to understand the ICT Kill Zones. These specific times of day are when the market becomes highly volatile, creating the best opportunities for profitable trades.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what ICT Kill Zones are, how to identify them, and how to use them in your trading strategy.
What Are the ICT KillZones Times?
The ICT Kill Zones are time periods in the Forex market where trading volume and volatility are high. Introduced by Michael Huddleston, also known as ICT (Inner Circle Trader), these periods help traders find the best times to enter or exit trades.
These kill zones are divided into four major periods:
Asian Kill Zone (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM New York Time)
London Kill Zone (2:00 AM – 5:00 AM New York Time)
New York Kill Zone (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM New York Time)
London Close Kill Zone (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM New York Time)
Each of these periods offers different levels of volatility, with the London and New York sessions being the most active. Traders take advantage of these time frames to increase their chances of making profitable trades.
Key Takeaways:
- ICT Kill Zones highlight the most volatile and profitable times in the Forex market.
- Use tools like the ICT Kill Zone Indicator on TradingView to simplify your trading process.
- Stay aware of ICT Kill Zones Times GMT and ICT Kill Zones UK Time to ensure you’re trading at the right moments.
ICT Kill Zone Timings Breakdown
Let’s break down each of the ICT Kill Zones and what makes them unique.
1. ICT Asian Kill Zone (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
The Asian Kill Zone is the first session of the day. It focuses mainly on pairs like the Australian Dollar (AUD), Japanese Yen (JPY), and New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Since the U.S. Dollar (USD) tends to consolidate during this time, traders usually look for small retracement trades.
- Timing: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM New York Time
- Main Pairs: AUD, JPY, NZD
- Trade Strategy: Look for short-term retracement trades, typically 15-20 pips.
2. ICT London Kill Zone (2:00 AM – 5:00 AM)
The London Kill Zone is one of the most important times in Forex trading. This session has the highest volume and volatility, making it a prime time for major currency pairs like the Euro (EUR) and British Pound (GBP).
- Timing: 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM New York Time
- Main Pairs: EUR, GBP
- Trade Strategy: Look for major directional moves of 30+ pips, often after a retracement.
3. ICT New York Kill Zone (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
The New York Kill Zone is another critical period, especially for U.S. Dollar-based pairs. This zone often overlaps with the London session, resulting in high trading volume and sharp price movements.
- Timing: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM New York Time
- Main Pairs: USD-based pairs
- Trade Strategy: Look for trades within the range set by the London session, with 30-40 pips as potential targets.
4. ICT London Close Kill Zone (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
The London Close Kill Zone is the quieter period after the London session ends. Even though volatility drops, this time often sees price retracing back to earlier levels, offering good opportunities for small trades.
- Timing: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM New York Time
- Main Pairs: USD-based pairs
- Trade Strategy: Focus on 15-20 pips scalp trades after the price retraces.
What Time is the ICT London Close Kill Zone?
The ICT London Close Kill Zone runs from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM New York Time. This period is less volatile than the earlier sessions, but traders often see price retracing back to the daily range. For example, if the price hit a high during the London session, it might pull back during the London Close Kill Zone, offering opportunities for a scalp trade.
What Are the Kill Zones in Trading?
The concept of Kill Zones in trading comes from the idea that certain times of day have higher market activity, making them better for trading. The ICT Kill Zones specifically highlight periods of high liquidity and volatility. This is when institutional traders (big players) are active, making these the most favorable times to trade.
What is the ICT Kill Zone Indicator on TradingView?
The ICT Kill Zone Indicator on TradingView is a tool used to mark the specific kill zones on your chart. It helps traders visually see when these key trading periods are happening, making it easier to spot trading opportunities.
You can apply the ICT Kill Zone indicator to your charts and customize it to highlight times like the London Kill Zone or the New York Kill Zone, helping you stay aware of the most important trading times.
How to Trade ICT Kill Zones Strategy
Here’s a quick guide on how you can effectively trade during the ICT Kill Zones:
- Set Your Chart Time Zone: Make sure your chart is set to New York Time (UTC-4) or UTC-5 during daylight savings.
- Identify the Daily Bias: Before entering a trade, check the higher time frame (like the daily chart) to understand whether the market is trending up or down.
- Wait for Retracement: Most kill zones involve price retracing before moving in the direction of the daily trend. Use tools like the Optimal Trade Entry (OTE) to find the best point to enter.
Final Thoughts on ICT Kill Zones
Mastering the ICT Kill Zones is essential for Forex traders who want to take advantage of the most profitable times in the market. By understanding these key periods and using tools like the ICT Kill Zone indicator, you can improve your trade entries and maximize your gains.
Now that you know what the ICT Kill Zones are and how to trade during them, you’re one step closer to becoming a better trader. Be sure to apply these strategies in your trading routine to make the most out of the Forex market’s volatility.
By following these principles and strategies, you’ll be better prepared to trade with confidence during the ICT Kill Zones. Happy trading!
