What Time Does Gold Trading Open?

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Gold is mostly available to trade nearly 24 hours a day, from Sunday afternoon to Friday, with no weekend trading. Unlike the OTC Forex and gold CFD market, which runs fluidly 24 hours a day, the precious metals market has a one-hour break from midnight each night in the futures market.

With gold being traded virtually around the clock, it's essential for traders to understand when the best opportunities may arise. While some assume one can simply buy and sell whenever they like, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Subtle differences in liquidity and volatility exist depending on the trading session and market conditions at any given time.

But when should a trader enter or exit the gold market? Instead of guessing, understanding trading hours and activity fluctuations can reveal optimal windows and help manage risk. Gaining insights into gold's market cycles prepares traders for each trading day. Read on.

What time can you trade gold?

Forex brokers that offer gold trading usually provide extended trading hours compared to traditional commodity exchanges. The specified trading hours for gold can vary between Forex brokers, but generally, they offer access to gold trading around the clock from Monday to Friday. The trading week is divided into sessions, and you can trade gold during these sessions:

Asian session. This session kicks off in the early evening (22:00 UTC) on Sunday and continues into the early morning on Monday. It's followed by the London session, which overlaps with the Asian session.
London session. This session usually starts around 8:00 AM GMT and ends around 4:00 PM GMT. It overlaps with the Asian session and is known for higher liquidity.
New York session. The New York session overlaps with the London session and mostly runs from 1:00 PM GMT to 9:00 PM GMT.
Sydney session. The Sydney session starts after the Asian session and continues into the Asian trading day.

Note: It's important to note that while Forex brokers may offer 24-hour gold trading, liquidity, and price spreads can vary during different trading sessions.

Where is gold traded?

There are three most crucial gold trading centers. These include:

The London OTC market. London is one of the world's major hubs for gold trading. The LBMA is a global over-the-counter (OTC) market where gold is traded between market participants, primarily through banks and dealers.
The U.S. futures market. In the U.S. futures market, gold trading is a significant part of the commodity futures sector. Gold futures contracts in the U.S. are standardized agreements for buying or selling a specific Gold quantity at a predetermined price on an upcoming date.
The Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE). The Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) is one of the world's largest and most prominent physical gold exchanges and plays a huge part in the global gold market. The SGE's Shanghai Gold Benchmark Price, or the "Shanghai Fix", is a daily benchmark price-setting process used in the Chinese gold market.

These markets comprise over 90% of global trading volumes and are complemented by smaller secondary market centers worldwide (OTC and exchange-traded). Perhaps, you are also interested in information about the best place to buy gold in 2025.

How to start trading gold?

Starting gold trading involves several steps as follows.

Pick the right gold market. Don’t just stick to physical gold or ETFs. Consider other markets like futures or options, which give you more leverage but also bring higher risk. Do your homework and choose a market that fits your style — whether it's spot trading or CFDs, or even gold futures for short-term gains.
Choose a trusted broker. After selecting a broker, open a trading account that gives you access to gold markets. Choose one with a solid track record and reliable customer service. Be ready to submit your ID and financial details to ensure your account is secure.

Best broker for gold trading
	Min. deposit, $	Max. leverage	XAU/USD spread, pips	Max. Regulation Level	TU overall score	Open an account
Plus500	100	1:300	45	Tier-1	6.83	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Pepperstone		1:500	22	Tier-1	7.17	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
OANDA		1:200	30	Tier-1	6.8	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
FOREX.com	100	1:50	35	Tier-1	6.95	Study review
Interactive Brokers		1:30	15	Tier-1	6.9	Open an account Your capital is at risk.

Deposit funds carefully. When funding your account, don’t risk more than you’re comfortable losing. Start with a small amount to minimize the chance of big losses early on. Only deposit money you’re okay with potentially losing, and calculate the amount you’re willing to risk per trade.
Create a gold trading strategy. Plan your trades carefully. Use tools like moving averages and RSI to spot trends. Set stop-loss orders and stick to your position sizes to keep risk in check. A strategy with clear risk vs. reward parameters will help you make better, more informed decisions even when the market gets wild.

Note: The money needed to start trading gold online depends on your circumstances and preferences. It's essential to start with an amount you can afford to lose, focus on learning and developing a solid trading plan, and eventually increase your capital as you gain experience and confidence in your trading skills.

Gold futures trading time and breaks

The trading hours for gold futures can vary based on the exchange where they are traded. Gold futures generally have trading hours from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon, with breaks in between.

Sunday evening. Trading usually begins on Sunday evening in the Asian markets (22:00 UTC).
Weekdays. Trading continues during regular exchange hours, which can vary from exchange to exchange. For example, the Comex division of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) usually has trading hours from 8:20 AM to 1:30 PM Eastern Time (E.T.).
Daily breaks. There are daily breaks in trading for maintenance and settlement. These breaks can vary but are mostly 15-30 minutes long and occur after the morning session.
Friday afternoon. Trading usually ends on Friday afternoon in the United States (E.T.) and may not resume until the Asian markets reopen on Sunday evening (22:00 UTC). These approximate times can change due to market holidays or exchange-specific rules.

Crypto exchanges have assets linked to the price of gold and can be traded around the clock. These cryptocurrencies are often referred to as "gold-backed" cryptocurrencies. Since cryptocurrencies can be traded 24/7 on many exchanges, you have the flexibility to buy and sell these assets at any time.

Why is gold trading different at different times?

Gold trading can vary at different times and in different markets due to several factors:

Intraday volatility. This refers to the price fluctuations and movements occurring within a single trading day or session. It measures how much the price of gold changes from its opening to closing during a trading day.
Time zones. It plays a significant role in gold trading timings due to the global nature of the gold market. Gold is traded in various financial centers worldwide, and these markets' opening and closing times are determined by their respective time zones.
Sessions. Gold trading is divided into sessions based on the major financial centers worldwide. Each session corresponds to the opening and closing times of these markets. These sessions affect gold trading time and can impact the price dynamics of the market.

24-Hour trading. Gold markets trade 24 hours a day, five days a week, enabling traders to participate in global trading sessions at their convenience. This continuous trading can provide flexibility for traders in different time zones.
Geopolitical uncertainty. During geopolitical turmoil or economic crises, gold often experiences increased demand as a haven. This demand can drive up its price.
Portfolio insurance. Some investors view Gold as portfolio insurance. Gold can provide a sense of security when other assets are underperforming or in times of economic uncertainty.

Lack of income. Unlike stocks or bonds, gold doesn't generate income through dividends or interest payments. This states that holding Gold does not provide a regular income stream, which can hinder income-seeking investors.
Counterparty risk. Traders face counterparty risk when trading gold derivatives, such as gold futures or options. If the counterparty defaults, it can lead to financial losses.
Market sentiment. Gold prices can be influenced by market sentiment, which factors like fear, greed, and speculation can influence.

Factors affecting gold prices

Understanding the dynamics that drive gold price movements is essential for successful trading. Below is an explanation and list of the primary factors to consider when timing your trades:

Economic data releases. Major economic reports like US inflation or employment data often lead to significant gold price volatility. These releases provide insights into economic health and influence gold's safe-haven demand.
Geopolitical events. Political instability, wars, or trade tensions drive investors to gold as a safe-haven asset, causing price surges.
Currency exchange rate movements. Gold prices are inversely related to the US Dollar Index (DXY). A weaker dollar increases gold's appeal globally.
Central bank policy decisions. Statements from central banks, particularly the US Federal Reserve, on interest rates directly influence gold prices. Lower interest rates generally support gold prices.
Trading sessions. Gold experiences higher trading volumes and volatility during overlapping sessions, such as in London and New York, due to increased market participation.

Understanding key market sessions and how they impact gold trading times

When trading gold, it’s not just about knowing when the market opens — it’s about understanding the global market hours. Gold is available for trading around the clock, but the most crucial hours are when major financial centers like London, New York, and Tokyo are active. For beginners, the best opportunities arise when the London and New York sessions overlap, offering more liquidity and tighter spreads. These hours are where you’ll see the biggest price movements, especially if there’s economic news being released.

Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to how other markets impact gold’s price movements. The opening of the COMEX, for instance, can lead to price shifts due to large orders from institutional traders. By understanding how these markets influence gold, you can adjust your trading strategy to take advantage of price volatility during these key times.

Summary

Gold trading offers significant opportunities, but success requires diligent study and preparation. Understanding global trading hours, volatility patterns, and key news events provides a crucial edge over impulsive trading. The gold market is dynamic, with surprises often arising unexpectedly, making ongoing learning essential. By applying disciplined strategies, leveraging analysis tools, and focusing on risk management, traders can navigate even unpredictable markets. Patience and experience are vital — those who commit to mastering gold's movements are better positioned to achieve long-term rewards.

FAQs

What are the trading hours for XAU/USD?

The trading hours for XAU/USD, which represents the exchange rate between gold (XAU) and the U.S. dollar (USD), can vary based on the specific Forex broker and trading platform you are using. However, XAU/USD is typically traded in the Forex market, which generally operates 24 hours a day, five days a week.

Is it possible to trade gold on weekends?

No, you cannot trade gold on weekends; however, there are a few cryptocurrency exchanges that allow you to trade on tokenized assets whose price is linked to gold. Also note, that you can trade COMEX gold futures contracts, which operate on a central exchange from Sunday (which is technically a weekend) to Friday between 6 pm and 5 pm (Chicago time).

Is it good to trade gold at night?

Trading Gold at night could hold a potential risk of illiquidity, as they also have potential risks. Whether it's good to trade gold at night depends on your trading strategy, goals, and risk tolerance.

Can I trade gold for $10?

Yes, you can trade gold for $10, but it will be challenging due to risk management issues. Proper risk management is crucial when trading gold or any other asset. With a small account, you must be extremely cautious to avoid significant drawdowns.

Team that worked on the article

Peter Emmanuel Chijioke is a professional personal finance, Forex, crypto, blockchain, NFT, and Web3 writer and a contributor to the Traders Union website. As a computer science graduate with a robust background in programming, machine learning, and blockchain technology, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of software, technologies, cryptocurrency, and Forex trading.

Having skills in blockchain technology and over 7 years of experience in crafting technical articles on trading, software, and personal finance, he brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the table. His skill set encompasses a diverse range of personal finance technologies and industries, making him a valuable asset to any team or project focused on innovative solutions, personal finance, and investing technologies.

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

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