Many traders often wonder which timezone MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) uses as its default and why the time displayed on their charts doesn't match their local time.
It is important to understand that MetaTrader does not automatically adjust its timezone based on the user's location. Instead, the chart time is strictly based on the Server Time provided by your broker. Since each broker has its own policy, server times can vary across the industry.
IUX Server Timezone
At IUX, our servers are synchronized with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+0). This means that by default, all trading activities, candle closes, and history logs on your IUX MetaTrader platform will follow the GMT+0 timezone.
How to Convert GMT to Your Local Time
To align the market hours with your daily schedule, you need to know the UTC/GMT offset of your current location. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Find Your Offset: Search for your city or country’s timezone on Google or any search engine. Look for a value with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign, such as GMT+7 or GMT-5.
- Calculate the Difference: Local Time = GMT Time ± Timezone Offset
Example 1
Thailand (GMT+7)
If the current server time is 14:00 GMT+0:
- Calculation: 14:00 + 7 hours = 21:00.
- Result: 14:00 GMT+0 is 21:00 (9:00 PM) in Thailand.
Example 2
Colombia (GMT-5)
If the current server time is 14:00 GMT+0:
- Calculation: 14:00 - 5 hours = 09:00.
- Result: 14:00 GMT+0 is 09:00 AM in Colombia.
If you prefer not to calculate manually, you can easily use online tools. Simply search for "Timezone Converter" or "GMT to Local Time" on Google or Safari to get an instant conversion for any global city.
Understanding your broker's server time is crucial for tracking economic news releases and managing your trading sessions effectively.