Understanding Weekend Trading Strategies and the Forex versus Crypto Landscape
For both retail and institutional traders, weekend trading strategies are becoming increasingly relevant, especially as cryptocurrencies remain active throughout the week, while the forex market closes during weekends. This contrast creates a unique environment where some markets pause and others remain open, offering both risk and reward.
In this blog post, we explore effective weekend trading strategies and compare forex versus crypto opportunities. Whether you are a seasoned trader or just beginning your trading journey, understanding the different approaches for each market can help you make better decisions and maximise your trading potential with guidance from PipInfuse.
Forex versus Crypto: Key Differences in Weekend Trading
Forex Trading Hours and Weekend Closure
The foreign exchange market is the largest financial market in the world, with over 7 trillion US dollars traded daily. However, it is not open around the clock. Forex trading sessions begin on Sunday at 10 PM GMT (Sydney session) and close on Friday at 10 PM GMT (New York session close).
This means forex traders cannot place live trades during weekends. While the market is closed, the time can be used for analysis, backtesting, and planning. However, traders must also prepare for the risk of price gaps when the market reopens, especially if major news breaks over the weekend.
Crypto Trading: A Continuous 24 by 7 Market
Unlike forex, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple operate around the clock, including weekends. This allows for live weekend trading, but also means volatility is typically higher due to lower weekend liquidity. Price moves can be sharp and sudden, presenting opportunities for short term traders as well as considerable risk.
Why Weekend Trading Matters in 2025
1. Additional Opportunities for Active Traders
The availability of crypto trading over the weekend offers a chance to capitalise on price movements that occur outside traditional trading hours. Traders who understand these patterns can benefit from short term moves.
2. Weekend Risk Exposure in Forex
Although you cannot trade forex over the weekend, you can still be affected by global news events. Political instability, economic policy announcements, and natural disasters can all result in major price gaps when the market reopens. Managing this risk through proper positioning and analysis is crucial.
3. Continued Engagement through Crypto Markets
Forex traders often turn to crypto trading during the weekend to remain engaged. This approach requires different strategies, but it enables traders to stay active and maintain momentum.
Effective Weekend Trading Strategies for Crypto Markets
1. Scalping Small Cap Altcoins
Low cap altcoins often experience exaggerated price moves over weekends due to low liquidity. Short term scalping strategies using one minute or five minute charts can yield small but frequent profits. Trading tools like TradingView or cTrader are useful for quick execution and analysis.
Tip: Choose your altcoin pairs carefully and ensure your strategy accounts for spreads and slippage.
2. RSI Divergence for Major Coins
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a reliable indicator for weekend trading. Spotting RSI divergence on one hour or four hour charts can help identify potential reversals or continuation patterns, especially for popular pairs like BTC to USD or ETH to USDT.
3. Monitoring News and Market Sentiment
Crypto news does not stop during weekends. News about regulation, exchange outages, or institutional investments can drive significant price changes. Traders who keep up with live news feeds and sentiment tools often gain an edge.
4. Trading Within Ranges
Crypto markets often consolidate during weekends. Identifying key support and resistance levels and executing trades within those ranges can be a consistent weekend strategy. Tools such as Bollinger Bands and Fibonacci levels can assist with timing and structure.
How Forex Traders Can Make Use of the Weekend
1. Perform In Depth Market Analysis
Although trading is paused, weekends are ideal for preparing for the week ahead. This includes reviewing charts, studying past trades, refining your trading plan, and analysing upcoming economic events. Traders can use tools like the economic calendar and long term technical charts to spot emerging patterns.
2. Plan Ahead for Sunday Market Open
Forex markets often open with a gap on Sunday evenings. Traders may choose to set limit or stop orders based on news expectations or chart setups. This approach can be profitable but requires careful risk management.
3. Stay Updated on Global Developments
Political news, central bank statements, or global economic shocks can all affect forex markets. Staying informed over the weekend helps traders anticipate movements when the market reopens.
Forex versus Crypto: Comparing Weekend Trading Strategies
| Feature | Forex | Crypto |
|---|---|---|
| Live Weekend Trading | No | Yes |
| Weekend Volatility | Low, with Sunday gaps | High, due to low liquidity |
| Strategy Focus | Planning and analysis | Execution and short term trading |
| Key Risks | Price gaps on open | Slippage and flash crashes |
| Best Tools | MetaTrader, cTrader, calendar apps | TradingView, blockchain analytics, sentiment tools |
Combining Forex and Crypto for a Smarter Weekend Strategy
1. Apply Familiar Indicators Across Both Markets
Many technical indicators such as moving averages, MACD, RSI, and trendlines work across both forex and crypto charts. This allows traders to adapt strategies they know from forex to crypto markets during the weekend.
2. Diversify Your Exposure
Adding crypto to your portfolio can provide active opportunities while the forex market is closed. It also allows traders to build experience with different asset classes and reduce reliance on one market.
3. Explore Copy Trading in Crypto
Many platforms now offer copy trading options for cryptocurrencies. Traders can follow expert strategies and maintain exposure during weekends, even with limited time or experience.
Common Pitfalls in Weekend Crypto Trading
1. Excessive Use of Leverage
Weekend markets can be thin, and overusing leverage can lead to large losses from sudden price swings. Keep position sizes small and avoid unnecessary risk.
2. Ignoring Technical Structure
Just because it is the weekend does not mean technical levels become irrelevant. Stick to your trading plan and avoid emotional entries.
3. Trading Without Risk Management
Never trade without a stop loss. Thin liquidity and rapid price movements can wipe out accounts quickly if risk is not managed properly.
How PipInfuse Helps You Master Weekend Trading
At PipInfuse, we provide expert forex trading and investment consultancy tailored to modern traders. Our services include:
- Weekend trading analysis and tutorials
- Strategy development across both forex and crypto markets
- Institutional level insights and economic forecasts
- Personalised support for traders of all levels
Our mission is to empower traders with knowledge, tools, and confidence, whether you trade on weekdays or weekends.
Making the Most of Weekend Trading Opportunities
Weekend trading strategies differ between forex and crypto, but both offer unique advantages when approached with preparation and discipline. While forex markets are closed, traders can use the time for planning and education. Crypto markets, on the other hand, allow for live trading but require careful risk control.
By understanding the core differences between forex and crypto weekend trading, using the right tools, and aligning your strategy with current market conditions, you can turn weekends into a productive part of your trading journey.
With expert guidance from PipInfuse, traders can bridge the gap between forex and crypto to make informed and confident decisions every day of the week.
