GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time, and it’s a time standard that was once used for civil timekeeping globally and is now often used as a reference point for various time zones around the world.
Forex brokerage firms around the world use different server times, and many of them refer to GMT to standardize their operating hours. This is important because traders need to know when different market sessions open and close, such as the Tokyo, London, and New York sessions.
For instance, a brokerage might state that their server time is “GMT+0,” which means that their server time is aligned with the Greenwich Mean Time. This provides a standardized reference for traders, allowing them to understand the brokerage’s server time in relation to the major forex market hours.
It’s worth noting that GMT is sometimes used interchangeably with UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), although there are subtle technical differences between the two. UTC is the modern successor to GMT and is the basis for civil time today.
However, in everyday usage and in the context of forex, the distinction between GMT and UTC is often overlooked.
In this article you will find:
- The best brokers whose trading platform is set to a GMT+0 time
- Forex brokers with EET time zone, CET time zone, and customizable user time offset to suit your needs.
Round-up
Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
| Forex brokers | Server time |
|---|---|
| AvaTrade | GMT+0 |
| Forex.com | GMT+0 |
| easyMarkets | GMT+0 |
| XTB | GMT+1 (CET) |
| AAAFX | GMT+1 (CET) |
| Pepperstone | GMT+2 (EET) |
| eToro | GMT+2 (EET) |
| Trading 212 | GMT+2 (EET) |
| XM | GMT+2 (EET) |
| IC Markets | GMT+2 (EET) |
What are the best GMT+0 forex brokers?
Keep in mind that even though some forex brokers allow you to change the time zone of the trading platform, this change only has a visual effect on the chart. It does not affect server time or rollovers.
AvaTrade
AvaTrade sets its server time to GMT+0 and offers forex trading on MT4 and MT5 platforms with fixed spreads from 0.9 pips.
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2006 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. AvaTrade offers trading on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. AvaTrade provides proprietary platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 and 5. AvaTrade is regulated by multiple authorities including CySEC, ASIC, and FSA. AvaTrade serves over 300,000 clients worldwide. AvaTrade is known for competitive spreads and extensive educational resources. The AvaTrade CEO is David Dryzin since 2016.
AvaTrade Features
The features of AvaTrade are listed below.
- AvaTrade trading server time is set to GMT+0.
- AvaTrade offers forex trading on the MT4 and MT5 platforms.
- Over 1200+ CFD assets including forex, commodities, indices, options, crypto, bonds, ETFs, and stocks.
- Fixed spreads from 0.9 pips on forex.
AvaTrade Pros and Cons
Advantages of AvaTrade
The advantages of AvaTrade are listed below.
- Tight fixed spreads from 0.6 pips (0.9 pips for retail traders)
- The mobile apps are well designed
- Can be connected to ZuluTrade and Duplitrade
Disadvantages of AvaTrade
The disadvantages of AvaTrade are listed below.
- High inactivity fees
- The demo account is limited to 30 days
Forex.com
Forex.com uses a GMT+0 server time on its proprietary platform and offers spreads from 0.2 pips on forex.
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About Forex.com
FOREX.com is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2001, offering trading on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. FOREX.com provides proprietary platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 and 5. FOREX.com is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities including FCA, ASIC, and CFTC. FOREX.com is known for competitive spreads, fast execution, and extensive educational resources. FOREX.com serves over 450,000 clients worldwide. The FOREX.com’s parent company “StoneX Group Inc.” CEO is Sean O’Connor.
Forex.com Features
The features of Forex.com are listed below.
- Forex.com’s platforms have a server time set at GMT+0 on Forex.com proprietary platform.
- 4500+ CFD assets can be invested on the Forex.com platforms, including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and crypto.
- Spreads from 0.2 pips on forex.
Forex.com Pros and Cons
Advantages of Forex.com
The advantages of Forex.com are listed below.
- Regulatory Assurance
- Low Forex Fees
- Comprehensive Educational Resources
Disadvantages of Forex.com
The disadvantages of Forex.com are listed below.
- Limited Product Portfolio
- Higher Spreads on Standard Accounts
- No Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders for U.S. Clients
EasyMarkets
EasyMarkets aligns its server time to GMT+0 and provides spreads starting from 0.3 pips on forex.
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About EasyMarkets
EasyMarkets is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2001, offering trading on currencies, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and stocks. EasyMarkets provides proprietary web and mobile platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 and 5. EasyMarkets is regulated by multiple authorities including CySEC and ASIC. EasyMarkets is known for innovative features like dealCancellation and fixed spreads. EasyMarkets serves clients worldwide and has received numerous industry awards. The EasyMarkets CEO is Nikos Antoniades.
EasyMarkets Features
The features of EasyMarkets are listed below.
- The server time on easyMarkets platforms (MT4, MT5 and easyMarkets web) is GMT+0.
- Over 200 CFD assets can be traded, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, crypto, and options.
- Spreads from 0.3 pips on forex on MT5 and fixed from 0.8 pips and 0.7 pips respectively on easyMarkets web and MT4.
EasyMarkets Pros and Cons
Advantages of EasyMarkets
The advantages of EasyMarkets are listed below.
- Innovative Risk Management Tools
- User-Friendly Platform
- Regulatory Trust
Disadvantages of EasyMarkets
The disadvantages of EasyMarkets are listed below.
- Limited Tradeable Symbols
- Higher Spreads on Some Accounts
- Outdated User Experience
XTB
XTB sets server time to GMT+1 (CET) by default and offers spreads from 0.3 pips on forex.
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About XTB
XTB is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2002 and headquartered in Poland. XTB offers trading on over 2,000 instruments including currencies, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. XTB provides the proprietary xStation platform and is regulated by multiple authorities including FCA, CySEC, and KNF. XTB is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and serves over 897,500 clients worldwide. The XTB CEO is Omar Arnaout since March 2017.
XTB Features
The features of XTB are listed below.
- Server time is set on GMT+1 (CET) by default on the xStation platform.
- On xStation you can trade on 5400+ CFD assets, which are forex, indices, commodities, crypto, stocks, and ETFs.
- Spreads from 0.3 pips on forex.
XTB Pros and Cons
Advantages of XTB
The advantages of XTB are listed below.
- No minimum deposit
- Wide selection of assets
- Competitive trading costs
Disadvantages of XTB
The disadvantages of XTB are listed below.
- Small withdrawal fee
- No social or copy trading
- XTB demo account is limited to 30 days
AAAFX
AAAFX runs server time at GMT+1 (CET) and provides spreads from 0 pips.
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About AAAFX
AAAFx is a global forex and CFD broker established in 2007, offering trading on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. AAAFx provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and ActTrader platforms. AAAFx is regulated by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) in Greece and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. AAAFx is known for zero-commission trading, institutional-grade liquidity, and fast execution speeds. AAAFx serves clients in 176 countries.
AAAFX Features
The features of AAAFX are listed below.
- AAAFX’ server time is set on GMT+1 (CET) on their platforms: MT4, MT5, ActTrader.
- 480+ assets can be traded.
- Spreads from 0 pips on forex.
AAAFX Pros and Cons
Advantages of AAAFX
The advantages of AAAFX are listed below.
- Zero Commission Trading
- Fast Execution Speeds
- Wide Range of Payment Methods
Disadvantages of AAAFX
The disadvantages of AAAFX are listed below.
- Limited Asset Variety
- Lack of Educational Resources
Pepperstone
Pepperstone’s server time is GMT+3 during US daylight savings and shifts to GMT+2 otherwise, offering spreads from 0 pips.
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. Pepperstone offers trading on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies through MetaTrader and cTrader platforms. Pepperstone is regulated by multiple authorities including ASIC, FCA, and CySEC. Pepperstone is known for competitive spreads, fast execution, and extensive educational resources. Pepperstone serves clients in over 160 countries worldwide. The Pepperstone CEO is Tamas Szabo.
Pepperstone Features
The features of Pepperstone are listed below.
- Server time on MT4 and MT5 is set to GMT +3 while US daylight savings is in place, and GMT+2 when the US is not under daylight savings.
- 500+ CFDs are offered including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto, and ETFs.
- Spreads from 0 pips on forex.
Pepperstone Pros and Cons
Advantages of Pepperstone
The advantages of Pepperstone are listed below.
- Stable raw spreads (0,09 pips on EUR/USD on average)
- Caters for algorithmic trading
- Has won over 30 Forex industry awards
Disadvantages of Pepperstone
The disadvantages of Pepperstone are listed below.
- The demo account is not unlimited
eToro
eToro uses a server time offset of GMT+2, allows platform time zone adjustments, and provides spreads from 0.8 pips on forex.
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About eToro
eToro is a global multi-asset investment platform founded in 2007, offering trading on stocks, ETFs, Crypto CFDs, commodities, and forex. eToro provides a proprietary web and mobile platform with social trading features. eToro is regulated by multiple authorities including FCA, ASIC, and CySEC. eToro is known for its user-friendly interface, copy trading functionality, and commission-free stock trading. eToro serves over 30 million users worldwide. The eToro CEO and co-founder is Yoni Assia.
eToro Features
The features of eToro are listed below.
- eToro’s servers run with a GMT+2 offset.
- With eToro you can also edit the platform time zone to a custom one.
- On the eToro platform, you can trade over 900+ assets including real stocks and ETFs as well as CFDs.
- Spreads from 0.8 on Forex.
eToro Pros and Cons
Advantages of eToro
The advantages of eToro are listed below.
- Great copy trading and social trading features
- Wide range of asset classes
- It allows to buy fractional stocks from $10
Disadvantages of eToro
The disadvantages of eToro are listed below.
- The eToro spreads can be high
- Offers only USD accounts
- Transferring cryptocurrencies to other platforms can be hard
Trading 212
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About Trading 212
Trading 212 is a global online broker founded in 2004, offering commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, forex, and CFDs. Trading 212 provides proprietary web and mobile platforms. Trading 212 is regulated by multiple authorities including FCA, CySEC, and FSC. Trading 212 is known for its user-friendly interface, educational resources, and fractional share investing. Trading 212 serves over 2 million clients worldwide. The Trading 212 CEO is Mukid Chowdhury since 2024.
Trading 212 Features
The features of Trading 212 are listed below.
- Trading 212 trading platform runs on a GMT offset of GMT+2.
- The Trading 212 platform time zone can be cha
- nged from GMT-11 to GMT+13. This won’t affect the server time or trading hours.
- 3330 CFD assets and 4500 real stocks and ETFs can be traded on the platform.
- Spreads from 0.8 pips on forex.
Trading 212 Pros and Cons
Advantages of Trading 212
The advantages of Trading 212 are listed below.
- User-Friendly Interface
- No Commission Trading
- Wide Range of Assets
Disadvantages of Trading 212
The disadvantages of Trading 212 are listed below.
- Limited Research Tools
- High Forex Spreads
- Lack of Advanced Features
XM
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About XM
XM is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2009, offering trading on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. XM provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and proprietary platforms. XM is regulated by multiple authorities including CySEC, ASIC, and IFSC. XM is known for competitive spreads, extensive educational resources, and multilingual customer support. XM serves over 5 million clients from 196 countries. XM offers various account types and a no-requote policy.
XM Features
The features of XM are listed below.
- XM time zone is US GMT+2 for wintertime and GMT+3 during summer on MT4 and MT5.
- 1000+ CFD assets can be traded with XM.
- Spreads from 0 pips on forex.
XM Pros and Cons
Advantages of XM
The advantages of XM are listed below.
- There’s a wide range of account types
- The demo account at XM is unlimited
- Wide range of educational resources
Disadvantages of XM
The disadvantages of XM are listed below.
- No social trading features available
- The account availability changes depending on the location of the trader
- High minimum deposit to invest in securities ($10000 for the XM Shares account)
IC Markets
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Regulations:
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Avg. EUR/USD Spread:
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Platforms:
About IC Markets
IC Markets is a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2007 and based in Sydney, Australia. IC Markets offers trading on over 2,250 instruments including currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms. IC Markets is regulated by multiple authorities including ASIC and CySEC. IC Markets is known for its ECN execution model and low spreads. The IC Markets CEO is Andrew Budzinski.
IC Markets Features
The features of IC Markets are listed below.
- IC Markets’ server time and charts are GMT +2 or GMT +3 (when daylight savings is in effect) on MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
- With the cTrader platform at IC Markets you can set your own platform time zone. However, the server time won’t be affected.
- Over 2250+ assets including CFD forex, indices, commodities, futures, bonds, crypto, and stocks can be traded on those platforms.
- Spreads from 0 pips on forex.
IC Markets Pros and Cons
Advantages of IC Markets
The advantages of IC Markets are listed below.
- Low-latency trading environment
- Institutional level liquidity
- MT4, MT5, cTrader platforms are all available
Disadvantages of IC Markets
The disadvantages of IC Markets are listed below.
- Small amount of educational tools for new traders
- Small range of tradable assets compared to other CFD/Forex brokers
Metatrader: how to check your forex broker server time
To check the server offset on MT4 and MT5, it is necessary to do the following:
Enable market watch: generally, the market watch is by default, but in case it has been turned off or is not present, you can turn it on by pressing CTRL+M or by going to “view” and clicking “market watch”. A window will appear on the left. At the top of it, there will be the server time:
The next step is to check the server time offset. So write down the server time next to the Market Watch (11:37 in this case). Go to time.is to check the UTC time (UTC time is the same as GMT+0). Then, check the delay with the trading platform. For instance, if the platform time was 11:37, the website says 9:37, it means the broker server offset is GMT+2
cTrader: how to check your forex broker server time
The cTrader platform shows traders directly what the server time is. The figure is at the bottom under the heading “server time”. In this case, the broker’s servers are in GMT+3.
If the server offset confuses you, you can change the user time offset of the trading platform which will change the times on the charts. This change won’t affect the server time or trading sessions.
Generally speaking, the platform time matches the user’s country time zone. For instance, if you are residing in the UK, the default platform time will be set to GMT+0 regardless of the server time offset of the broker. This means that the rollover fees and the chart candles are calculated based on server time and not on the platform time set by the user.
Why do forex brokers use different server times?
The server time offset generally depends on the location of the broker’s main office. Forex brokers generally use the following GMT offset:
- GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) = +0
- CET (Central European Time) = +1
- EET (Eastern European Time) = +2
Generally, brokers in the UK are GMT+0. In central Europe (Poland, Germany, etc.) brokers are GMT+1 (CET). Cyprus brokers are GMT+2 (in Cyprus they use EET).
To date, the most common brokers are EET brokers (GMT+2) both because most of them have offices in Cyprus, but more importantly, because being GMT+2 the forex market closing within the servers and platforms occurs exactly at midnight. In fact, the New York close (generally considered the close of the forex trading day) occurs at 10pm (GMT+0), but being GMT+2 servers, the close is at midnight.
What is the difference between UTC and GMT forex times?
UTC stands for “Universal Time Coordinated” while GMT stands for “Greenwich Mean Time”. UTC is a universal time that never changes. UTC is 10pm everywhere in the world. GMT, on the other hand, uses time zones to determine local time and it’s based on UK time. GMT+0 corresponds to UTC time. 10pm UTC, is also 10pm GMT+0.
| Time zones | London Market Opening | London Market Closing |
|---|---|---|
| UTC | 7am | 4pm |
| GMT+0 | 7am | 4pm |
| GMT+1 (CET) | 8am | 5pm |
| GMT+2 (EET) | 9am | 7pm |
For more information you can check out this article on Babypips, and our article on market hours in forex trading.
What is the best GMT server time to trade forex with?
GMT+0 brokers are better if you prefer to trade forex with a daily timeframe, or if you are a programmer and/or user of trading bots.
In all other cases, choosing a GMT+2 broker is often better because it allows you to end the day synchronized with the New York market closing.
If you trade with daily time frames, GMT+0 brokers present 5 candles per week. They are much more convenient because the chart is tidier, and it is easier to do technical analysis.
Trading bots are often backtested on GMT+0, as well as coded to start and stop at precise times calibrated to GMT+0 (London time). If the platform or the server run on a different time zone, it could create problems for the bot (e.g. late or early openings of trading positions, or inaccurate technical analysis due to the presence of a sixth candle in the chart).
There are 4 major forex markets in the world that open and close at different times. The last one of the day is the New York market which closes at 10pm UTC on weekdays and is closed on Saturday and sunday. With a GMT+2 broker, the server will touch midnight when the New York session closes.