Gold is one of the most traded assets globally, and the best gold brokers offer tight spreads and algorithmic trading. Today, we will answer the question of when the gold markets open to help gold traders maximize their outcomes.
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Overview of Gold Markets Hours
So, when does the gold market open? Well, gold trading hours depend on the instrument, as spot trading, futures, and options trading differ moderately and are often related to the trading times provided by gold brokers.
Gold trades almost 24 hours a day, five days a week, with a short 45-minute to one-hour break that marks the unofficial end of one trading session and the unofficial start of the next.
The gold market officially opens on Sunday at 21:00 GMT and closes on Friday at 21:45 GMT. Gold markets have an official break between 21:00 GMT and 21:45 GMT Monday through Thursday, but many brokers halt trading for one hour. Gold traders can check the trading hours their gold brokers offer inside the trading platform.
MT4 and MT5 traders can access trading hours from their platform by following these steps:
1. Right-click the desired symbol in the “Market Watch” window and select “Specification.”
2. Scroll down until you see “Sessions.”
Understanding the Gold Market Clock
While gold traders can trade gold around the clock, knowing when the gold market opens at the most notable gold exchanges will help identify the most liquid trading periods with the lowest trading fees.
The best gold brokers offer raw market spreads. Some grant them commission-free, while others have competitive commissions with volume-based rebates.
Which Are the Most Significant Gold Markets?
- Loco London
- COMEX (New York)
- Shanghai Futures Exchange
- Shanghai Gold Exchange
The most notable secondary exchanges are:
- Dubai
- India
- Japan
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
The above exchanges offer nearly 24/5 gold trading. However, the official opening and closing times of equity markets in those cities provide the most liquidity and price action catalysts.
What Time Does XAU/USD Move the Most?
The XAU/USD moves the most as a reaction to geopolitical developments that can negatively impact the global economy or if economic reports surprise or disappoint, including interest rate adjustments.
When Should Gold Traders Trade to Get the Best Results?
Gold traders should trade according to their preferred gold strategies but the most significant price action catalysts come from economic reports, interest rate announcements, and geopolitical events. Despite their ability to move gold prices, they often create short-term volatility, making a well-defined strategy the best- factor in determining when to trade gold.
Bottom Line
Gold is a highly liquid asset that trades nearly 24/5 and offers traders tremendous potential. The best gold brokers offer tight spreads and support algorithmic trading. Gold traders can improve their results by trading during the most liquid trading periods or in the aftermath of market-moving events, depending on their gold trading strategy.
