Success in online trading depends on two major factors: your strategy and your trading costs. One of the primary costs for CFD traders is the spread — the difference between buy and sell prices. Our scheduled periods of reduced spreads allow you to trade key assets at significantly lower cost during specific times, giving you a meaningful edge whether you scalp, day trade, or prefer longer-term positions. This guide will show you why reduced spreads matter, how these cost-saving periods work, and how you can adapt your strategy to benefit from them.

Why lower spreads matter

When you trade with lower spreads, you tighten the gap between your entry and exit prices. Reducing this cost means you keep more profit from every successful trade. If you are an active trader, these savings add up quickly across multiple positions.

Different trading styles gain unique advantages:

• Scalpers benefit significantly, as trading higher volumes — even in and out of the market with relatively small price moves — means reduced spreads can turn marginal trades into profitable ones.
• Day traders and short-term traders experience lower overall costs on their cumulative trading volume, especially when opening and closing multiple positions during these periods.
• Algorithmic and automated traders see improved performance when their strategies involve higher trading volumes, as the lower spreads directly decrease their total transaction costs.
• Swing traders achieve better entries and manage larger positions more effectively, as reduced spreads preserve more capital and help maximise returns, particularly when scaling into trades.

If you lower your trading cost, you naturally increase your net returns, whatever your preferred approach.

What are periods of reduced spreads and how do they work?

Deriv.com offers scheduled periods of reduced spreads for selected popular assets. During these pre-set two-hour periods, you gain access to much narrower spreads simply by trading eligible instruments on your MT5 Standard account. The platform applies the discount instantly—no opt-in or minimum volume is required. As long as you’re trading during the applicable period for that asset, you’ll see the reduced spread reflected in your quote and order window.

This straightforward approach lets you focus on planning and executing your trades at times when your transaction costs are minimised.

How to find the trading windows for tighter spreads?

The reduced spreads are available on Deriv MT5 Standard accounts on selected assets, during specific two-hour windows. You can plan your trading sessions around the following periods (all times in GMT):

For synthetic assets:

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For financial assets:

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It is worth keeping in mind that Deriv may update the asset list and their time slots according to market activity or trader feedback, so always check for new communications in your inbox and on the platform.

How to apply reduced spread periods to your trading strategy

When you schedule your trades during periods of reduced spreads, you decrease your costs and increase your net gains regardless of your trading style:

If you’re a scalper:
Trade your chosen assets exclusively during the relevant periods. You’ll enjoy better profit margins on each small market move, and even marginal set-ups become more attractive. Consider using scripts or EAs to execute rapidly.

If you’re a short-term or intraday trader:
Open and close trades more aggressively within these periods. Reduced costs help you achieve your session targets more efficiently.

If you use trading bots or algorithms:
Set your automated strategies to focus on, or prioritise, activity during the scheduled times for reduced spreads. You can also instruct some systems to pause outside these periods to preserve capital.

If you’re a swing or position trader:
Time your market entries, or scale into larger positions, during the periods of reduced spreads. Lower entry costs help you seek greater profitability as your trade unfolds.

By making these periods a cornerstone of your trading routine, you actively take control of your costs and potentially increase your returns.

Pro tip: plan ahead to maximise value 

Take full advantage of each scheduled opportunity. Review the reduced spread timetable and set reminders in advance. Prepare your manual or automated trading methods beforehand, so you’re ready as soon as your desired assets enter their discount window. 

Adjusting your trading schedule to match the periods of discounted spreads is a straightforward yet powerful way to improve your trading results. By timing your trades to coincide with these scheduled windows, you can lower your costs and give every strategy—from scalping to swing trading—a measurable lift. 

Keep an eye on the upcoming periods and consider how aligning your approach with these enhanced conditions could help you make smarter decisions in every session.

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