What is Gold Trading? A Beginner's Guide
Learn the basics of gold trading — what it is, how it works, and how to get started.
After 18,000+ trades, this is the method that survived. I use it every US session.
Understand Gold Trading
XAUUSD moves differently during each session. Asian session is sleepy. London wakes it up. NY session is where the real moves happen. I only trade the NY open now. It simplified everything.
Learn XAUUSD
Gold and the US dollar usually move in opposite directions. When the dollar weakens, gold rises. I watch DXY (dollar index) as a proxy before every trade. It is not a perfect indicator, but it helps.
Choose a Trading Platform
I have accounts with three brokers. Not because I need three — because I tested them all with real money to find which one actually gives me the best XAUUSD execution. Here is what matters when you choose.
Pick a Broker
I switch brokers based on spreads. Sounds harsh but trading is a business. If another broker offers me 0.1 pips less on XAUUSD and is equally regulated, I move. Loyalty costs money in this industry.
Start with a Demo Account
Choosing a broker is the single most important decision you will make as a trader. I spent months testing before I opened my first real account — and I still got it wrong. Here is what I wish someone had told me: regulation first, spreads second, everything else is noise.
I have been trading XAUUSD for over a decade. Everything in this guide comes from real trades at my desk in Singapore — not from textbooks. Here is what I have learned.
---
What is Gold Trading?
Gold trading is the practice of speculating on gold price movements through financial instruments like CFDs, futures, or spread betting — without owning physical gold.
Why Trade Gold?
Gold has unique properties that make it popular among traders:
- Safe haven asset Gold often rises during economic uncertainty
- 24-hour market Trade gold across Asian, London, and NY sessions
- High liquidity The gold market is deep and liquid
- Volatility Gold provides regular trading opportunities
XAUUSD Explained
XAUUSD is the symbol for spot gold against the US dollar.
Key facts:
- Most traded gold pair globally
- Tight spreads on major brokers
- Moves in pips like forex pairs
- Influenced by USD strength, interest rates, geopolitics
Getting Started
To start trading gold:
- Open an account with a regulated broker
- Download MT4 or MT5
- Practice on a demo account
- Start small with real money
- Focus on risk management
On this page
Recommended Brokers
Recommended: Trade gold with EBC — tested across all sessions.
Start Trading Gold →Recommended: Trade gold with Wisuno — tested across all sessions.
Start Trading Gold →Related Guides
What You Will Learn in This Guide
This guide covers "how to start gold trading", "gold trading for beginners", "how to trade gold". Whether you are new to gold trading or refining your approach, understanding {category.toLowerCase()} principles helps you make better trading decisions.
Why What is Gold Trading? A Beginner's Guide Matters for Gold Trading
Every gold trader needs to understand "what is my position size for gold", "how to calculate gold pip value", "compute pip value for gold". Without proper {toolName.toLowerCase()}, you are trading blind. Use this tool alongside how to control emotions in gold trading, how to start gold trading and trader psychology tips to build a complete risk management framework.
Related Risk Management Concepts
Understanding "what is my position size for gold", "how to calculate gold pip value", "compute pip value for gold" is just the beginning. Serious gold traders also study how to control emotions in gold trading, how to start gold trading and trader psychology tips to protect their capital. Master these concepts and you will trade with confidence across all sessions.
⚠️ Risk Warning
Trading gold carries significant risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
More from Lin's Desk
Hand-picked by Lin — from my trading desk to yours.
How to Fund Your Gold Trading Account: Deposit Guide
I go back to this one whenever I need to refocus on the basics.
5 min readGold Trading Terminology: Glossary for Beginners
I put this together after years of refining my own method. No fluff, just what works.
5 min readGold Trading Costs Explained: Spreads, Commissions & Swaps
I put this together after years of refining my own method. No fluff, just what works.
7 min readWhat is Gold Trading? A Beginner's Guide
I go back to this one whenever I need to refocus on the basics.