XAUUSD Explained: Everything You Need to Know
Complete breakdown of XAUUSD trading. Learn how gold is priced against the USD, pip values, contract sizes, and session behavior.
After 10 years of screen time, this is the method that survived. I use it every US session.
What XAUUSD Means
The pip value of gold is not fixed — it depends on the current price. At $2,350, one pip is worth about $10 on a standard lot. At $2,000 it was $8.50. Small difference, but it adds up over hundreds of trades.
Contract Size and Pip Value
I use the 1% rule: risk 1% of my account per trade. If my stop loss is 20 pips away, I calculate exactly how many lots that allows. No guesswork. No rounding up. Math keeps you safe.
Trading Sessions Impact
I trade the US session exclusively. 8 AM to 12 PM New York time is when gold moves. I live in Singapore, so that means I am at my desk from 8 PM to midnight. It took some adjustment, but it was worth it.
What Moves Gold Prices
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.
Spread Costs on XAUUSD
Gold is not like forex pairs. It has its own personality. I spent my first year trading it like EURUSD and kept losing. Once I understood gold respects Fibonacci levels and moves on US session momentum, everything changed.
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.
---
XAUUSD Explained
XAUUSD is the symbol that represents the price of gold in US dollars.
Understanding the Symbol
XAU comes from 'aurum', the Latin word for gold. If XAUUSD is trading at 1,950.50, it costs $1,950.50 to buy one ounce of gold.
Pip Values in Detail
For XAUUSD, 1 pip = $0.01 in price movement:
- 0.01 lots (micro): $0.10 per pip
- 0.10 lots (mini): $1.00 per pip
- 1.00 lots (standard): $10.00 per pip
Spread Comparison
ECN: 0.1-0.3 pips
STP/NDD: 0.3-0.6 pips
Market Maker: 0.5-1.5 pips
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", "gold trading guide". Whether you are new to gold trading or refining your approach, understanding {category.toLowerCase()} principles helps you make better trading decisions.
Why XAUUSD Explained: Everything You Need to Know Matters for Gold Trading
Every gold trader needs to understand "what is my position size for gold", "proper lot size for gold", "compute pip value for gold". Without proper {toolName.toLowerCase()}, you are trading blind. Use this tool alongside how to stay disciplined in trading, how to start gold trading and trading philosophy to build a complete risk management framework.
Related Risk Management Concepts
Understanding "what is my position size for gold", "proper lot size for gold", "compute pip value for gold" is just the beginning. Serious gold traders also study how to stay disciplined in trading, how to start gold trading and trading philosophy to protect their capital. Master these concepts and you will trade with confidence across all sessions.
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.