Best Brokers For Gold Trading
Best Brokers to Trade Gold in 2024 - eToro
Top Brokers to Trade Gold in 2024:
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eToro - Biggest copy trading community in the world (over 3,000 verified investors with copiers)
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FOREX.com - Diverse range of tradable assets (80+ currency pairs)
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Thinkorswim by TD Ameritrade - Best for trading based on technical analysis (most advanced charting platform)
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RoboForex - Best Forex broker for beginners ($10 min. deposit, copy trading)
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Exness - Best raw spread account (avg. spread for major FX pairs 0.1-0.2 pips)
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Eightcap - Best broker to trade directly from TradingView charts
Gold has historically been considered the equivalent of stable capital and a serious market asset, which in times of crisis surpasses the trading volume of most popular currencies. This precious metal is used not only for savings and speculation, but also as a valuable industrial raw material. So (in the foreseeable future!) gold will not depreciate critically, as, for example, currencies.
All assets with gold – CFDs, ETFs, options, shares of industrial companies, bank bars and gold-backed securities treasury – are effective instruments for hedging risks in any dangerous situation. In this review, Traders Union compares the trading conditions of regulated brokers offering trading in XAUUSD and other investment instruments based on the price of gold.
Top 10 Forex Brokers to Trade Gold
Broker | Minimum deposit | Gold (XAU/USD) trading | Gold-based ETFs | Regulation | |
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$50, $100 (for UK clients) |
CySEC, FCA, ASIC |
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$1000 |
CIMA, FCA, FSA (Japan), NFA, IIROC, ASIC, CFTC |
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From $0 (from $2,000 to activate margin trading opportunities) |
FINRA, SIPC, CFTC, NFA |
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$10 |
FSC |
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$10 |
FCA, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), FSCA, BVI FSC, FSC (Mauritius), CBCS, and CMA |
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100 USD |
ASIC, SCB, CySEC, FCA |
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€10 |
CySEC |
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USD 10 |
CySEC |
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$50 |
ASIC, FCA, FSCA, VFSC |
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100 (USD, EUR, GBP, CHF) |
FCA, CYSEC, FSCA, SCB |
Best Gold Trading Brokers Trading Condition Compared
Broker | Trading platform: | Spread | Instruments | Trading features | Account currency | |
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MobileTrading, WebTrader |
2 points |
Currencies, assets of stock and commodity markets, cryptocurrencies |
Cryptocurrency trade; Structural investment portfolios; Copy Portfolios; Trading Central. |
USD |
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FOREX.com, MT4, MT5 |
0.2 points |
Forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, commodities, stocks |
There is a cryptocurrency trading |
USD, EUR, GBP |
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Thinkorswim |
0 points |
Over 70 currency pairs |
There is cryptocurrency trading |
USD |
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MT4, MT5, R MobileTrader, R StocksTrader, R WebTrader |
0 points |
Forex (currency pairs), ETFs, index CFDs, oil CFDs, CFD on European and U.S. stocks, real securities |
Negative Balance Protection; No swaps on Islamic accounts, a pleasant affiliate program: each market participant gets up to 20% loyalty; One Click Trading. |
USD, EUR, GOLD |
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Exness Trade App (mobile), Exness Terminal (web), MetaTrader5, MetaTrader4 |
1 point |
Forex CFDs on: cryptos, commodities, indices, and stocks |
Floating spreads; |
EUR, USD, GBP, CAD, AUD, and CHF for all account types; |
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MT4, MT5 |
0 points |
CFDs on currency pairs, cryptocurrencies, indices, stocks, commodities, and precious metals |
Free 30-day demo account; |
AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, NZD, CAD, and SGD |
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MT4, MobileTrading |
0.2 points |
Forex, indices, metals, futures contracts |
Advisors; Hedging; Protection against a gap. |
EUR |
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MT4, MT5 |
0.8 points |
Forex, metals, indices, energies, stocks, cryptocurrencies |
Cryptocurrency trading; Social trading. |
Euro, dollar |
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MT4, MT5, WebTrader, Mobile Apps |
0 points |
Currency pairs (57), CFDs on stocks (226), indices (26), and commodities (22), energy, ETFs, bonds, share SFDs |
Automated trading; Pro Trader Tools; VPS server; Analytical instruments; Proprietary mobile application. |
AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, and CAD |
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MT4, MobileTrading, MT5, cTrader, FxPro Edge |
0 points |
Over 2,100 assets are available: currencies, stocks, indices, futures, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies. |
Scalping - for all types of financial instruments; Negative balance protection for customer accounts; 24-hour multilingual support, 5 days a week; Advisors; Algorithmic Trading. |
USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, PLN, ZAR and JPY |
Top Gold Trading Brokers Reviews
Useful Forex Facts & Insights
Top 3 Brokers With TradingView Support
TradingView is a well-known trading platform that supports advanced charting tools. Traders Union has compiled a list of the top 3 brokers that offer trading directly from TradingView charts. This trading platform can help you expand your arsenal for analysis and decision-making in trading.
Broker | TradingView support |
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How to choose the best gold trading platform?
Most forex brokers offer trading through MT4 and MT5 terminals, which are well-suited for CFD trading on gold in the form of trading pairs XAUUSD or XAUEUR. The strengths of these platforms include:
Customization for margin trading: These platforms are well-suited for margin trading, which is essential for gold CFD trading.
Support for forex advisors: MT4 and MT5 support trading with forex advisors, also known as Expert Advisors (EAs). These automated trading programs can be used to execute trades based on predefined criteria.
Numerous built-in technical analysis tools: The platforms come with a variety of built-in technical analysis tools that can be used to identify trading opportunities.
However, the suitability of a platform will also depend on your broker. For example, not all brokers support scalping.
Large brokers like Saxo Bank (SaxoTraderGO) and Interactive Brokers (TWS) offer their own trading platforms for gold. These platforms boast advanced features like extensive charting and technical indicators, but cater to experienced traders due to their complexity. They often lack beginner-friendly features like social trading and cent accounts.
Feature | MT4 | MT5 | Saxo Bank | Interactive Brokers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Number of built-in indicators |
30+ |
40+ |
150+ |
100+ |
Customization |
Limited |
Moderate |
Extensive |
Extensive |
Ability to add custom indicators |
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Mobile trading app |
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Algorithmic trading |
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Social trading |
What are tipical gold trading costs?
Forex brokers mainly charge a commission in the form of a spread. Here's a quick rundown of gold trading fees:
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Spreads. The main cost, difference between buy/sell price quoted by your broker. Tighter spreads = better. TU experts consider 40 pips spread and less as the low.
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Swaps. Overnight holding fees reflecting interest rate differences (can be positive or negative).
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Commissions. Less common, some brokers charge a flat fee per trade.
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ETF Fees. If trading gold via ETFs, you'll likely pay an annual expense ratio that is usually 0.5%-1.5%.
Please research individual forex brokers' websites for their specific fee structures and current rates on spreads, swaps, and any potential ETF fees.
What is the minimumd deposit to start trading gold?
CFD trading allows gold trading with leverage up to 1:30, meaning you can control a larger gold position with a smaller deposit (tipically as low as $50-$100).
Buying physical gold ETFs or shares. These typically require a full purchase of the ETF/share, which can be more expensive than CFD trading. In this case you typically will need $200-$500 initial investment.
Here are some additional points to consider:
The minimum trade size might be equivalent to a specific amount of gold (e.g., 0.1 oz). This translates to a minimum cost required per trade.
While leverage allows for potentially larger profits, it also magnifies potential losses. Be cautious when using high leverage with a small deposit.
Most popular markets to invest in gold
What are the most popular option to invest in gold?
A reasonable choice of "gold" assets can be not only a source of profit, but also an additional insurance against possible losses. Each type of market is characterized by benefits and deficiency. Here's a quick summary of the most popular gold investment assets:
CFDs on gold: Popular for speculation, lower minimum investment amount (usually from $100), high liquidity, leverage up to 1:30, but limited assets and dynamic spread.
Gold futures: Fixed price contracts for future purchase, good for hedging, but not ideal for long-term and have limited speculative periods.
ETFs: Stable, low-cost option for long-term exposure, but limited investment choices and management fees.
Stocks: Potential for quick profit and dividends, diversifies portfolio, but volatile and carries company risk.
Spot Gold: Physical gold ownership, fast liquidity, good for long-term and hedging, but requires storage and immediate tax payment in some jurisdictions.
TU hase compared the pros and cons of popular gold trading assets:
Feature | CFDs on Gold |
Gold Futures |
ETFs |
Stocks |
Spot Gold |
Type | Contract |
Futures Contract |
Exchange Traded Fund |
Company Shares |
Physical Gold |
Pros | Lower costs, high liquidity, diversification |
Fixed price, leverage, hedging |
Low costs, stable liquidity, diversification |
Potential for quick sale, dividends, hedging |
Protective asset, fast liquidity, diversification |
Cons | Market speculation risk, limited assets, dynamic fees |
Not suitable for long-term, hard contract period, no speculative liquidity |
Few investment options, management fees |
Volatility, currency risk, production risk |
Storage needs, immediate taxes |
Best for | Active traders, short-term speculation |
Hedging, experienced traders |
Long-term investors, diversification |
Portfolio diversification, income |
Physical asset holders, long-term investors |
Ownership | No physical ownership |
No physical ownership |
Indirect ownership |
Company ownership |
Physical ownership |
Transaction Costs | Lower |
Lower |
Low |
Variable (commissions) |
N/A |
Taxation | Profit only |
Profit only |
Depends on jurisdiction |
Capital gains tax |
Immediate tax |
Is gold trading profitable?
Yes, investing in gold assets is very profitable. From 2000 to 2024, the market price of gold rose from $280-290 to $2030, i.e. 7 times - that's almost 30% per annum, and in the most stable market asset. And the upward trend continues - look at our gold price forecast 2050.
You can invest in gold from $100 (less is quite dangerous). You need a reliable broker with comfortable trading conditions and a strategy with strict risk control. Gold lends itself well to technical analysis, almost does not depend on the economy of specific countries or regions, and the fundamental impact on it is made by standard factors: interest rates, inflation, GDP, monetary policy of the dollar, etc.
If you are ready for active risk - trade gold CFDs and futures, if you prefer long deals - invest in ETFs and stocks, and the volatility of gold and its ability to keep the trend will provide a stable profit even for disciplined beginners.
Pros and cons of gold trading
Let's briefly summarize the main arguments for trading gold:
👍 Pros
• High liquidity: gold can always be quickly exchanged for any other assets
• Stable volatility: you can make money on Forex deals, options, stocks
• Diversification of investments: gold becomes more expensive when there are problems in the economy - stock indices decline, GDP falls, etc., and thus reduces possible losses
• Minimum probability of depreciation: the price of gold is supported by constant demand from industrial production, banks, investment funds and monetary regulators
👎 Cons
• High risk of short-term speculation, spread widening at non-market times or in force majeure situations
• Regulation: gold as a reserve asset may be subject to strict control, including production, mining, transportation, exchange trading. All this affects the price dynamics
• Geopolitical risks: the gold market is sensitive to wars, sanctions, embargoes, and other factors affecting current demand
• Risk of investing in shares of industry companies: gold will not depreciate, but the shares will turn into paper in case of bankruptcy of the company
Methodology for compiling our ratings
Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate brokers using over 100 both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.
Key aspects of the assessment include:
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Regulation and safety. Brokers are evaluated based on the level/reputation of licenses and regulations they operate under
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User reviews. Client reviews and feedback are analyzed to determine customer satisfaction levels. Reviews are fact-checked and verified
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Trading instruments. Brokers are evaluated on the breadth and depth of assets/markets available to trade
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Fees and commissions. A comprehensive analysis is done of all trading costs to analyze overall cost to clients
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Trading platforms. Brokers are assessed based on the variety, quality and features of platforms offered to clients
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Other factors like brand popularity, customer support, education resources are also evaluated
Expert Opinion
My experience has taught me that when trading gold, it's wise to focus more on long-term trends of a month or longer rather than short-term fluctuations. In the short run, gold, like many commodities, often experiences volatile sideways movements, which can be risky for novice traders.
Important! If you intend to hold a gold position for an extended period and trade with a Forex broker, it's crucial to pay attention to the cost of overnight position rollovers and calculate the potential expenses associated with maintaining such a position. In any case, it's safer and more cost-effective if the position is unleveraged.
When selecting a broker, it's also worthwhile to explore alternative investment instruments it can support. For instance, holding ETFs on shares of gold mining companies can offer the opportunity to earn dividends. However, it's important to note that stocks do not always directly mirror the price movements of gold.
Author, Financial Expert at Traders Union
FAQs
Which platform is best for XAUUSD trading?
All best brokers for gold trading necessarily offer MetaTrader 4(5) – the optimal trading platform for Gold CFD trading. But for traders who trade gold stocks and ETFs, we recommend using the cTrader platform from FxPro or IC Markets.
What is the best indicator for XAUUSD?
There is no "miracle indicator" for gold. You need a complex system, for which, at least, you need a trend indicator, oscillator, price channel and trading volume indicators. And necessarily - a fundamental analysis of the current situation, as in our xauusd analysis today.
Can I trade gold with $10?
Practice shows that $10 is not enough. Most brokers offer leverage no higher than 1:200 for online gold trading. You need an ECN account with a minimum spread, then with a $50 deposit and 1:100 leverage you can open a deal on XAU/USD with a minimum lot of 0.01. But even then the margin available will be weak, and gold is a very volatile trading asset. We recommend a deposit of $100 with leverage of 1:50 –1:100.
Is trading gold the same as XAUUSD?
According to the ISO 4217 standard, this is a popular spot asset, which means the price of 1 ounce of gold in dollars, for the price in another currency, such as the euro, XAU/EUR is used. Some brokers use variants GOLD, GOLD/EUR, etc. For online gold trading, besides CFDs, the market offers ETF-funds, gold futures, shares of gold mining companies, as well as various types of physical metal – bank bars, gold coins, jewelry, etc.
Glossary for novice traders
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1
Broker
A broker is a legal entity or individual that performs as an intermediary when making trades in the financial markets. Private investors cannot trade without a broker, since only brokers can execute trades on the exchanges.
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2
Trading
Trading involves the act of buying and selling financial assets like stocks, currencies, or commodities with the intention of profiting from market price fluctuations. Traders employ various strategies, analysis techniques, and risk management practices to make informed decisions and optimize their chances of success in the financial markets.
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3
CFD
CFD is a contract between an investor/trader and seller that demonstrates that the trader will need to pay the price difference between the current value of the asset and its value at the time of contract to the seller.
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4
Leverage
Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.
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5
Investor
An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.
Team that worked on the article
Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.
Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.
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).