Why traders follow gold
Gold is one of the most actively traded markets in the world. Its price reacts to US interest-rate expectations, the strength of the US dollar, inflation data and geopolitical risk, which gives it large intraday ranges and makes it popular with short-term traders. Because XAU/USD is quoted in dollars, a weaker dollar tends to support gold and a stronger dollar tends to weigh on it — though the relationship is not fixed.
Metals you can trade
| Instrument | Symbol | Contract (1 lot) | Max leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold vs US Dollar | XAUUSD | 100 troy oz | 1:100 |
| Gold vs Euro, Pound, Franc, Aussie | XAUEUR, XAUGBP, XAUCHF, XAUAUD | 100 troy oz | 1:100 |
| Silver vs US Dollar | XAGUSD | 5,000 troy oz | 1:100 |
| Platinum | XPTUSD | 100 troy oz | 1:10 |
| Palladium | XPDUSD | 100 troy oz | 1:10 |
| Copper | CUCUSD | 25,000 lb | 1:25 |
What a gold trade looks like
One standard lot of XAU/USD is 100 ounces, so every $1 move in the gold price changes the value of a 1-lot position by $100. A 0.01-lot position is 1 ounce, where the same $1 move is worth $1. With 1:100 leverage, the margin needed to open 0.10 lot (10 oz) with gold at $2,500 is 10 × $2,500 ÷ 100 = $250.
Gold can move several dollars in seconds around US data releases. Leverage magnifies those moves on your balance in both directions, so set a stop loss and size positions for the volatility.
Gold pricing by account
Standard and Pro accounts price gold through the spread only, with Pro carrying a tighter spread. Raw ECN passes through the raw market spread and charges a commission of $10 per lot on gold. Overnight swaps apply to positions held past the daily rollover and are shown in the platform before you trade.
Frequently asked questions
What is XAU/USD?
XAU/USD is the price of one troy ounce of gold in US dollars. Trading it as a CFD lets you go long or short without owning physical gold.
How much margin do I need to trade gold?
At 1:100 leverage the margin is 1% of the position value. For example, 0.10 lot (10 oz) at $2,500 needs about $250.
Can I trade silver as well?
Yes. Silver against the US dollar, euro, pound, Swiss franc and Australian dollar is available, along with platinum, palladium and copper.
Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This page is general information, not investment advice. Read the Risk Disclosure.