With Easter approaching, many global markets are set to experience altered trading hours, lower liquidity, and higher volatility. For prop traders, especially those managing funded accounts or in active evaluations, knowing how to adjust your strategy during the holiday season is essential.

Market Schedule Changes

Below are the key Easter trading days and how they may affect prop traders:

Friday, April 18 – Good Friday

• Major exchanges closed: NYSE, NASDAQ, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
• Forex & Crypto: Open, but with extremely low liquidity
• Tip: Avoid entering new trades, especially in GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, NZD pairs

Monday, April 21 – Easter Monday

• European & Commonwealth markets closed: UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Australia
• Forex: Open but quiet until US session begins
• Tip: Delay high-risk setups until volatility returns with New York Open

Most major brokers have published Easter trading schedules that begin around Wednesday, April 16, and extend through Monday, April 21. Here are a few common patterns across platforms:

• Forex & Crypto: Remain open, but expect thinner liquidity
• Indices & Metals: Reduced hours or full closure (especially Friday & Monday)
• Stocks & Futures: Regional closures depending on local holidays

Always check your prop firm’s broker calendar for precise asset availability.

Prop Trading Tips for the Holiday Period

1. Be aware of thin liquidity: Holiday sessions often come with wider spreads, price gaps, and slower execution—not ideal for scalping or high-frequency strategies.

2. Adjust lot sizing and risk: Volatility can spike unexpectedly during news-light hours. Reduce exposure and avoid overtrading.

3. Monitor open positions closely: If you plan to hold trades over the long weekend, ensure you’re well within drawdown rules and protected by stop-losses.

4. Use the time for analysis and resets: It might be a good opportunity to step back, review past performance, or even reset your challenge if your firm allows it.

Final Note

Trading during holiday weeks can be unpredictable. While crypto never sleeps, most traditional markets do—and that shift affects pricing, flow, and opportunities. Use Easter as a chance to trade smarter, not harder.

Happy Easter and good risk management!

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