Short answer
Bitcoin against the US dollar. It trades around the clock, including weekends, with sharp moves when liquidity is thin.
Most active hours: Trades 24/7. Liquidity is highest during US and European hours.
How to approach Bitcoin (BTC/USD) on short expiries
Crypto trades around the clock, but liquidity and news flow are strongest during US and European hours. Moves can be abrupt at any time, so keep stakes small, avoid 1-minute expiries in fast markets, and remember that US inflation and Fed decisions now move bitcoin too.
Scheduled releases that move this asset
| Release | How often | UTC | India (IST) | Nigeria (WAT) | UAE (GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US jobs report (NFP) | Monthly, usually the first Friday | 13:30 | 19:00 | 14:30 | 17:30 |
| US inflation (CPI) | Monthly, around mid-month | 13:30 | 19:00 | 14:30 | 17:30 |
| Federal Reserve rate decision (FOMC) | 8 times a year | 19:00 | 00:30 | 20:00 | 23:00 |
For short expiries many traders pause 15 minutes before and after these releases. Times follow each publisher’s own clock, so they shift when Europe, the US or Australia change clocks. Check the official calendar for exact dates; holidays can move releases.
What moves the price
- ETF flows and large holders
- US interest-rate expectations
- Exchange and regulatory news
Outside market hours many brokers offer an OTC version of this asset. OTC prices are set by the broker, not the interbank market.