Trading Spot Gold and Silver

Intro to spot metals trading

Trading spot metals with FOREX.com allows you to speculate on the price movements of gold (XAU/USD) or silver (XAG/USD) relative to the US dollar or other major currencies.

Our spot metals markets are quoted and traded in a very similar way to currency pairs. Trading is available 24 hours a day from Sunday 11pm GMT through to 10pm Friday GMT.

The 'spot' price refers to the price quoted for the metal to be paid for (including delivery) two days following the date of the transaction (the settlement date).

Spot gold and silver trades globally over the counter with the main centres for trading in London, New York, and Zurich. Liquidity in the spot metals market is typically highest when European market hours overlap with trading in New York, and the market can experience periods of illiquidity around the close of the US market. 

Who trades spot gold and silver, and why?

There are many different reasons that drive investors to trade spot gold and silver:

• Speculation on price movements in a very liquid market, often using fundamental and/or technical analysis to identify potential opportunities
• Part of a balanced, diversified asset allocation model for an overall investment portfolio
• As a risk management tool, used as a hedge against market volatility caused by economic, political or social turmoil.