What Is The Best Time To Trade Gold Forex?

Share this:
Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.

The best time to trade gold depends on your particular trading approach. The best time for you is when the American session is open (1:00 PM to 10:00 PM GMT) and crosses over with the European session (7:00 AM to 4:00 PM GMT). If an active approach characterizes your strategy. The gold market has more liquidity during this time, which presents possible trading possibilities.

In the world of Forex (foreign currency), gold continues to be a popular investment option as it has long been a symbol of wealth and stability. Trading gold on the FX market might be profitable, but time is important. The price of gold changes during the day due to several variables, including economic data, geopolitical developments, and market mood. Determining the ideal timing to purchase gold on the FX market is essential for increasing possible gains and lowering risks.

  • When does gold trading begin each day?

    Gold trading begins each day at around 3:00 AM GMT on Sunday night, with the opening of Asian markets like Tokyo and Hong Kong.

  • What time can I trade gold?

    Since gold is traded five days a week, 24 hours a day, with brief pauses during market mainly due to technological issues.

  • What is the best day of the week to buy gold?

    Studies show Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have lower volatility and prices compared to other days, so they can offer marginally better entry points.

  • When does the gold price usually dip?

    Gold prices historically dip during the late European morning between 7AM-10AM GMT as algorithmic traders often sell into the fix windows. Other times can include overnight Asia hours and immediately after strong US economic data releases. These are broad tendencies, not guarantees.

Do you want to start trading Forex? Open an account on RoboForex!
58.42% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Why Gold Trading Activity Varies Intraday?

Intraday fluctuations in gold trading activity are caused by a number of variables, including market players, economic developments, and geopolitical impacts. The average price movement (volatility) throughout various times in London time reflects these variations:

Time Period (London Time) Average Price Movement (Volatility)

All 4-hour periods

0.53%

0:00 to 04:00

0.41%

4:000 to 8:00

0.42%

8:00 to 12:00

0.51%

12:00 to 16:00

0.94%

16:00 to 20:00

0.62%

20:00 to 0:00

0.25%

  • All 4-hour periods: During a trading day, gold's price fluctuates (has volatility) by an average of 0.53%. This baseline activity level results from the persistent global interest in gold

  • 0:00 to 04:00: Gold tends to be less volatile, with an average price variation of 0.41% from 0:00 to 04:00 London time. Due to the closure of important financial centers, trading activity is frequently decreased during this time

  • 4:00 to 8:00: Gold's volatility is steady at 0.42% during the trading day (4:00–8:00 London time). At this time, traders might be cautious as they wait for the European session to get up steam

  • 8:00 to 12:00: The volatility of gold is slightly higher during the European trading session, which runs from 8:00 to 12:00 London time, averaging 0.51%. Economic data releases and greater involvement from European traders have an impact during this time

  • 12:00 to 16:00: Early afternoon (12:00 to 16:00 London time) is when gold's volatility peaks, with an average price change of 0.94%. Important news releases and the overlap between the European and American sessions frequently fall during this time

  • 16:00 to 20:00: Gold's volatility is still quite strong in the late afternoon (16:00–20:00 London time), with an average price change of 0.62%. Traders continue to respond to geopolitical and economic events

  • 20:00 to 0:00: Gold's volatility decreases as the trading day comes to an end (20:00 to 0:00 London time), with an average price change of 0.25%. As the day comes to an end, trade activity declines during this time in the major financial centers

Why Timing Depends On The Trading Strategy?

Different trading strategies have different timing requirements, which are influenced by objectives, risk management, market circumstances, analysis techniques, trading approaches, events, liquidity, chart patterns, volatility, and time zone concerns when we talk about buying gold on forex.

  • Different Trading Strategies, Different Goals: Each trading strategy has different objectives. For instance, while long-term investors look for consistent growth over a lengthy period of time, day traders focus on making short-term gains from intraday market changes

  • Time Horizon: The time horizon for holding gold forex is determined by trading techniques. While investors may maintain holdings for years, swing traders may only hold them for a few days or weeks. Scalpers maintain positions for seconds or minutes

  • Market Conditions: Market variables, such as volatility particularly ties to gold, liquidity, and trends, have an impact on the timing of entry and exit. Day traders love intraday volatility, while long-term investors prefer steady trends

  • Risk Tolerance: Different levels of risk tolerance are matched with different trading techniques. While conservative techniques aim to reduce risk, aggressive strategies may involve quick trading

  • Analysis techniques: Different methodologies use technical, fundamental, and sentiment analysis of particular forex when you trade on gold. Depending on the analysis method employed, timing judgments are made

  • News and Events: Depending on the news and event, different trading techniques will respond. Real-time information is needed for news-based initiatives, which affects timing

Read the complete explanation of how to gold online in the article:

How to Trade Gold Online? A Guide For Beginners.

Best Time To Trade Gold Using Active Strategies

Active strategies in gold trading require precision in timing to capitalize on price movements. Here are a few example strategies and the best times to execute them:

  • Scalping: Scalping is the practice of making several fast trades to take advantage of minute price changes. The greatest times to scalp gold are when major trading sessions, such as the European and American sessions, coincide

  • Day Trading: Day traders seek to profit from daily price fluctuations. The opening few hours of the American session (1:00 PM to 5:00 PM GMT), when market activity is typically at its peak, are frequently the best times for day trading gold

  • Swing Trading: Swing traders maintain positions for days or even weeks. When gold is trading in line with recognized trends, they frequently search for entry possibilities. Swing trading can be timed in a variety of ways, but it often involves taking positions when there is a strong trend throughout any session. Swing traders are also keenly aware of news items that can affect the course of the price of gold

  • News-Based Trading: News-based strategies concentrate on responding to significant economic announcements and events. The timing of trades for traders using this method is highly correlated with the publication of important news, particularly inflation statistics and Federal Reserve announcements. These announcements often happen between early and midday GMT, and traders should be ready to react swiftly to the news

  • Timing Option Expirations: Gold futures options expire on the third Friday each month. Prior to expiration, the spot gold market sees increased volatility as open interest declines. This occurs as traders close positions, exerting downward pressure on prices. While expiration itself does not impact spot significantly due to physical delivery, trading opportunities arise. In the days before, gold finds support at heavy open interest strike prices. After, short-term inefficiencies and positioning resets allow for reversals among experienced traders acclimated to expiration dynamics.

Read the complete explanation of buying gold in this article:

How to Buy Gold: Best Ways to Buy and Sell it Online.

Best Time To Trade Gold Using Strategies For A Range Market

It's critical to employ tactics that suit these circumstances while trading gold in a range-bound market, where prices fluctuate within a predetermined range. Here are a few sample tactics and the ideal situations to use them:

Examples of Range-Bound Markets Strategies

  • Trading inside a range: Trading within a range is purchasing near support levels and selling near resistance levels in an effort to make a profit. When prices are approaching the range's margins, they avoid trading and hunt for distinct price boundaries

  • Bollinger Bands approach: This approach makes use of Bollinger Bands, which are made up of two outer bands that represent standard deviations and a middle line that represents a 20-day moving average. When prices are within the bands, range traders can utilize Bollinger Bands to spot times of low volatility and get ready for potential breakouts

  • Stochastic Oscillator Strategy: The Stochastic Oscillator helps traders identify overbought and oversold conditions. In a range-bound market, traders use this indicator to look for divergence from price action, signaling potential reversals within the range

Best Time to Trade These Strategies

The best time to trade strategies can be followed in below mentioned manner:

  • 1

    Asian Session - The Asian session in forex refers to the time when major financial markets in Asia, such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, are open for trading. It typically starts in the evening (UTC time) and ends before the European session begins. Trading gold during the Asian session can be advantageous as it often experiences lower volatility and smoother price movements compared to other sessions

  • 2

    News-Free Days - When there are no major economic or geopolitical news events expected, it can be a favorable time to trade gold. Gold prices are influenced by factors like interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. On days with no significant news, the market may be less volatile and more predictable

  • 3

    Holiday-affected Trading - On days when stock markets in certain countries are open but others are closed due to holidays or special occasions, it can lead to irregular trading conditions. For example, if the US markets are closed for a holiday like Labor Day, but European markets are open, gold trading may be influenced by reduced liquidity and participation. Traders should be cautious during such times

  • 4

    Wide Ranges for Volatility - When trading gold within the overlap of the European and Asian sessions, it's crucial to use wider trading ranges. It is due to during high volatility periods, such as major economic releases or geopolitical events, the gold prices can quickly break through narrow ranges Maybe, you are also interested in information about in which month should you buy gold.

How To Start Trading Gold?

Gold trading is a desirable investment option due to its long-standing reputation for stability and value. If you are interested in entering the gold trading market, the following steps can assist you in beginning the process.

1. Select a Reputable Broker

To trade gold, you must use a trustworthy broker. Select a broker that has a proven track record, meets regulatory compliance requirements, offers competitive spreads, and provides a straightforward trading experience. Your trading experience is affected by the broker you select, so conduct your research and select a broker that meets your requirements and objectives.

2. Create a Trading Account

After deciding on a broker, you must create a trading account. Typically, this entails giving personal information, proving your identity, and accepting the broker's terms and conditions. Whether choosing a conventional account, a small account, or a demo account for practice, be sure to choose the sort of trading account that best suits your trading style.

3. Fund Your Account

After you've created your trading account, you'll need to add money to it. Your deposit size will depend on your trading objectives and risk appetite. Make sure you're at ease with the amount you invest because trading entails dangers.

4. Gain Knowledge of Gold

The factors that influence gold prices must be understood before engaging in gold trading. Learn about the economic indicators, supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical developments, and market sentiment as they relate to the market's fundamentals. To make wise trading selections, familiarize yourself with technical analysis tools and chart patterns.

5. Pick Your Trading Approach

Choose a trading approach that fits your objectives and risk tolerance. Are swing trading, day trading, or long-term investments of interest to you? Your method to trading gold will be determined by your strategy.

6. Test New Strategies with a Demo Account

If you're just starting out in trading or want to test out a new strategy, consider using a Demo account your broker offers. You can do this to practice trading gold using virtual money to build your confidence and improve your approach without having to risk actual money.

7. Begin Trading Gold

Once you feel confident in your knowledge and approach, you should begin trading gold. To place orders, establish stop-loss and take-profit levels, and monitor your trades, use the trading platform provided by your broker. Maintain discipline and follow your trading strategy.

Check an overview of each broker, including their fees, commissions, features, and benefits in the article: Best Online Brokers 2023.

👍 Pros of trading gold

Your investment portfolio may become more diversified if you include gold as a hedge against economic downturns and currency devaluation

Gold has always been a trustworthy store of value since its value has kept steady over time

Gold is readily available, very liquid, and can be purchased and sold on the global market

Gold's price volatility presents opportunities for traders to make money from price changes

Gold is a safe-haven asset that frequently performs well when the markets are volatile and uncertain

👎 Cons of trading gold

The price of gold can fluctuate greatly, causing sharp and erratic price changes

Unlike stocks or bonds, gold doesn't pay dividends or interest, which means it doesn't give revenue

Speculative trading and market sentiment can have an impact on gold prices, causing inflated price swings

Storage expenses could be incurred if you own actual gold, lowering your overall return on investment

For newbies, it might be difficult to master technical analysis and market fundamentals, which are essential for successful gold trading

Best Forex brokers

1
9.4/10
Go to broker
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Minimum deposit:
$50, $100 (for UK clients)
Bonus for deposit:
0%
Regulation:
CySEC, FCA, ASIC
2
9.2/10
Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.
Minimum deposit:
No minimum
Bonus for deposit:
0%
Regulation:
FSC (BVI), ASIC, IIROC, FCA, CFTC, NFA

Conclusion

It is crucial to stress that you are ultimately responsible for your trading decisions in the realm of gold trading. Setting specific objectives, controlling your emotions, and continuing your education about market dynamics are all part of responsible trading. Keep in mind that discipline, careful risk management, and adherence to your trading plan are all necessary for effective trading.

Find out the latest gold price forecasts here: Gold Analysis Today – XAU/USD Support and Resistance.

Team that worked on the article

Upendra Goswami
Contributor

Upendra Goswami is a full-time digital content creator, marketer, and active investor. As a creator, he loves writing about online trading, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and stock trading.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

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
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

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).