What is the ICT Macro Time: in London & New York with Examples and Trading Strategies

ICT Macro Time refers to short, strategic windows during the trading day—usually 20 to 30 minutes long—when institutional algorithms are most active. These periods are known for:

• Seeking liquidity
• Rebalancing price
• Filling Fair Value Gaps (FVGs)

Traders who understand ICT (Inner Circle Trader) Macro Times can capitalize on sharp price movements and more predictable setups during these intervals.

What Is ICT Macro Time?

ICT Macro Time is a concept created by the Inner Circle Trader (ICT), which identifies key algorithm-driven times in the market where institutional orders are typically executed. These windows offer traders:

• High volatility
• Quick price movement
• Reliable setups for scalping or short-term trades.

What Are ICT Macro Times for Forex?

ICT Macro Times are most effective during the London and New York sessions, the two most active trading periods in forex.

What time is the ICT London Macro?

Macro Period	EST Time	GMT Time
London Macro 1	2:33 – 3:00 AM	6:33 – 7:00 AM
London Macro 2	4:03 – 4:30 AM	8:03 – 8:30 AM

What Time is the ICT New York Macro?

Macro Period	EST Time	GMT Time
NY AM Macro 1	9:50 – 10:10 AM	1:50 – 2:10 PM
NY AM Macro 2	10:50 – 11:10 AM	2:50 – 3:10 PM
NY Lunch Macro	11:50 – 12:10 PM	3:50 – 4:10 PM
NY PM Macro	1:10 – 1:40 PM	5:10 – 5:40 PM
NY Last Hour Macro	3:15 – 3:45 PM	7:15 – 7:45 PM

These periods often coincide with:

• U.S. economic data releases
• Institutional positioning
• Final hour rebalancing

ICT Macro Times for Indices

Indices like NASDAQ (NQ), S&P 500 (ES), and Dow Jones (YM) also respond well to ICT Macro Times, especially during New York session macros:

• 9:50 – 10:10 AM EST is a popular window for institutional buying/selling
• 3:15 – 3:45 PM EST is known for last-hour volatility and rebalancing

These macro windows are widely used not just in forex, but also in indices and futures markets.

ICT Macro Times for Futures

In futures trading, macro times help traders pinpoint moves in:

• Crude Oil Futures (CL)
• Gold Futures (GC)
• Micro E-mini Futures (MES, MNQ, etc.)

Futures respond similarly to forex and indices, especially:

• Around NY AM Macro 1 and 2
• In lunch hour traps
• And closing macros for rebalancing

Macro Time Trading Strategy

• Mark out key ICT Macro Time windows on your chart (based on your session: London or New York)
• Identify liquidity pools: previous highs/lows, equal highs/lows, and buy/sell side liquidity
• Use higher timeframes (HTF) like 1H or 4H to find market structure and bias (bullish/bearish)
• Determine Kill Zones (e.g., London Kill Zone: 2 AM–5 AM EST, NY Kill Zone: 7 AM–10 AM EST)

ICT Macro Time Strategy Example – XAUUSD (Gold/USD)

The chart above is a real-time example of ICT Macro Time Strategy applied to XAUUSD on a 5-minute timeframe, using ICT-defined New York session macro windows.

Price Action Breakdown

Below is the complete breakdown of the above XAUUSD chart. You can use them as a case study

1. NY AM 1 (08:50 – 09:10)
   • The price surged upward quickly.
   • Created a short-term bullish move, likely to trap buyers.
   • Followed by a reversal right after the window—possible liquidity grab.
2. NY AM 2 (09:50 – 10:10)
   • Price consolidated slightly before breaking higher.
   • Showed signs of accumulation followed by an expansion phase.
   • Indicates the real move following the earlier fake-out.
3. NY AM 3 (10:50 – 11:10)
   • Price dipped, then ranged tightly.
   • Market was indecisive—possibly internal liquidity hunting.
   • No strong move, but may serve as a setup for later phases.
4. NY Lunch (11:50 – 12:10)
   • Price surged upward with strong bullish momentum.
   • It could be a trap breakout, as this period usually has low volume.
   • ICT traders often avoid entering during this phase due to false moves.
5. NY PM (13:10 – 13:40)
   • Price initially dropped, then reversed upward strongly.
   • Classic afternoon reversal setup, a key ICT concept.
   • Institutional traders may have returned to complete the intended move.

ICT Macro Time Calculator

Click here to use our premium start of the tool for finding ICT macro time.