- Timeframe: This zone typically runs from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (EST) in New York, which corresponds to 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (UTC).
- Formation: It is predominantly formed by the overlap of the New York open and the London close, leading to a substantial surge in trading volume.
- Characteristics: This period is marked by high liquidity and often experiences major price movements, frequently driven by the release of U.S. economic news. Market makers are actively involved, often testing key levels. This can lead to rapid and powerful price movements, including breakouts of support and resistance levels and access to liquidity zones.
New York Afternoon Kill Zone
- Timeframe: This segment occurs during the later hours of the New York session, specifically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EST) in New York, translating to 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (UTC).
- Characteristics: While it generally exhibits lower volatility compared to the morning session, it can still provide valuable trading opportunities. This period is also useful for planning trades for the subsequent trading day.
New York AM & PM Kill Zone Timings
The following outlines the precise timings and characteristics of each kill zone:
New York Morning Kill Zone (AM)
- Time in New York (EST): 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Time in UTC: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Key Characteristics: Expect high price movements, liquidity zone tests, and increased volatility.
New York Afternoon Kill Zone (PM)
- Time in New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Time in UTC: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Key Characteristics: Generally, this zone presents lower volatility and consequently, more limited trading opportunities compared to the morning session.
The New York PM Kill Zone, particularly in the ICT style, is often observed in conjunction with the start times of the New York AM and PM Kill Zones and the market pivots that tend to occur within these specific timeframes.
Conclusion
The New York AM and PM Kill Zones are undeniably crucial periods in the financial markets, defined by their elevated volatility and increased trading volume. Their existence is attributed to the synergistic overlap of the London and New York trading sessions and the active participation of smart money, making them prime targets for strategic trading.