Markets · Commodities
Gold (XAU/USD): News, Analysis & Educational Trade Ideas
Gold priced in US dollars · latest OpenBook briefings, educational trade ideas and a plain-English guide to what moves this market.
What is Gold (XAU/USD)?
XAU/USD is the price of one troy ounce of gold in US dollars. Gold is one of the oldest stores of value and is traded worldwide through the spot (over-the-counter) market, futures exchanges such as COMEX, exchange-traded funds and physical bullion.
Gold pays no interest, so its appeal often depends on what investors can earn elsewhere after inflation. It is also widely held as a hedge during geopolitical or financial stress.
What drives Gold (XAU/USD)
- Real (inflation-adjusted) interest rates, especially US Treasury yields.
- The US dollar: a weaker dollar can make gold cheaper for buyers using other currencies.
- Central-bank gold purchases and investment flows into gold ETFs.
- Safe-haven demand during geopolitical tension or market turmoil, and inflation expectations.
Trading hours and sessions
Spot gold trades almost 24 hours a day on weekdays across global centers. US gold futures trade nearly around the clock from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon ET with a short daily break, and activity often peaks during the London and New York sessions.
Check live quotes on the OpenBook markets board. Hours shown in US Eastern Time (ET) and may shift around holidays and daylight-saving changes.
- Gold is supposed to be a safe haven when inflation surges. So why isn’t it working that wa
- ‘I’m afraid of human stupidity’: Why this top economist prefers U.S. tech and gold over bo
- Era of pure crypto exchanges is ending, Bybit CEO says
- The stock market is ‘priced for perfection.’ Here’s what could drive a nearly 20% slump fo
Gold (XAU/USD) FAQ
What does XAU/USD mean?
XAU is the standard code for gold and USD for the US dollar, so XAU/USD is the price of one troy ounce of gold in dollars.
Why do interest rates matter for gold?
Gold does not pay interest, so higher real yields on bonds can reduce its relative appeal, while falling real yields can support it.
How can US residents get exposure to gold?
Common routes are gold ETFs, gold futures on regulated US exchanges and physical bullion. Gold CFDs are not available to US retail clients.
Are OpenBook Gold (XAU/USD) trade ideas signals or investment advice?
No. OpenBook trade ideas are algorithmic, educational market ideas generated from public price data. They are not recommendations to buy or sell, do not consider your personal circumstances and are not investment advice. Some idea details are reserved for OpenBook Pro.