Short answer
Gold priced in US dollars. It moves with real interest rates and the dollar, and jumps on geopolitical news.
Most active hours: 13:00–17:00 UTC
Most active hours in your country
| Country | Time zone | Most active hours |
|---|---|---|
| India | IST | 18:30–22:30 |
| Pakistan | PKT | 18:00–22:00 |
| Bangladesh | BST | 19:00–23:00 |
| Nigeria | WAT | 14:00–18:00 |
| Kenya | EAT | 16:00–20:00 |
| South Africa | SAST | 15:00–19:00 |
| Philippines | PHT | 21:00–01:00 |
| Egypt | EET | 15:00–19:00 |
| Saudi Arabia | AST | 16:00–20:00 |
| UAE | GST | 17:00–21:00 |
Times shift by one hour when Europe, the US or Australia change clocks. This page recalculates them in your browser.
How to approach Gold (XAU/USD) on short expiries
Metals react sharply to US data and interest-rate news, so the minutes around those releases are close to a coin flip. Trade the London–New York window, prefer 5–15 minute expiries, and size stakes smaller than on major currency pairs because the swings are wider.
Scheduled releases that move this asset
| Release | How often | UTC | India (IST) | Nigeria (WAT) | UAE (GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US jobs report (NFP) | Monthly, usually the first Friday | 13:30 | 19:00 | 14:30 | 17:30 |
| US inflation (CPI) | Monthly, around mid-month | 13:30 | 19:00 | 14:30 | 17:30 |
| Federal Reserve rate decision (FOMC) | 8 times a year | 19:00 | 00:30 | 20:00 | 23:00 |
For short expiries many traders pause 15 minutes before and after these releases. Times follow each publisher’s own clock, so they shift when Europe, the US or Australia change clocks. Check the official calendar for exact dates; holidays can move releases.
What moves the price
- US real interest rates
- US dollar strength
- Geopolitical risk and central bank buying
Outside market hours many brokers offer an OTC version of this asset. OTC prices are set by the broker, not the interbank market.