Understand gold trading before you risk a single dollar
We explain what XAUUSD is, how it differs from owning physical gold, what it costs and what the risks are, and give you free calculators for each. We do not tell you what to buy or sell and we do not promise profits.
Where do you want to start?
Pick the path that matches where you are.
New to trading
See what leverage does to a position, and the price at which your account is closed.
Read the stop-out guide →Comparing brokers
Eight things to verify from official sources before you deposit anywhere.
Open the checklist →Already trading
Size positions from the amount you can afford to lose, and keep a journal.
Use the calculator →How we keep this honest
Four rules we publish and hold ourselves to.
Numbers you can recompute
Every worked example is checked against our own calculators. If a figure cannot be reproduced, it does not ship.
No performance claims
No profit promises, no testimonials, no statistics without a named source.
Conflicts disclosed
We may earn a commission from some links. We say so next to the link and explain it in full.
Corrections are public
When we find an error we fix it and note the change.
What leverage really does
Leverage multiplies gains and losses on the capital you post.
Physical gold
- You own the metal
- A dealer spread applies on buying and selling
- You cannot lose more than you paid
XAUUSD CFD with a broker
- You hold a contract on the price, not the metal
- Leverage amplifies both gains and losses
- You can lose all of the money in the account, and the account can be closed automatically
Featured articles
Every number can be recomputed with our free tools.
Gold XAUUSD stop-out price: what it is and how to calculate it
Understand stop-out, margin level and how to find the price at which your account gets force-closed, with verified worked examples and a free calculator.
Read article →Risk guideHow to size a gold trade by risk, not by leverage
Learn to work out XAUUSD lot size from the amount you accept to lose and your stop distance, with verified examples and what 1% versus 5% risk does after a losing run.
Read article →Costs guideGold spread and trading costs: what each trade really costs
See how spread and commission turn into a monthly cost and a fraction of your risk on every XAUUSD trade, with verified worked examples and a free calculator.
Read article →Risk guideRisk-reward ratio and the win rate you need to break even
Understand R:R, the win rate required to break even with and without trading costs, and expectancy per trade, using verified worked examples and a free calculator.
Read article →Risk guide8 risks beginners underestimate in gold trading
Leverage, costs, gaps, overtrading and more: the eight risks new gold traders most often underestimate, with a practical response and a free tool for each.
Read article →Discipline guideHow to keep a trading journal that actually improves your trading
What to record for every trade, which statistics matter (win rate, average win and loss, expectancy, profit factor) and a simple weekly review routine, with a verified example.
Read article →Safety guideGold trading scam red flags to check before you deposit
Guaranteed profits, signal sellers, account managers and unlicensed brokers: the common warning signs of gold and forex trading scams, and how to verify before you pay.
Read article →BasicsWhat is XAUUSD and how to read the quote
XAUUSD explained: what the symbol means, bid and ask, contract size, and how a one-dollar move in gold turns into profit or loss per lot, with verified examples.
Read article →BasicsWhat moves gold prices: the main drivers explained
The US dollar, interest rates, inflation expectations, central bank demand and risk events: a plain explanation of what tends to move gold, and why none of it predicts the next trade.
Read article →Discipline guideHow to use a demo account properly before trading real money
A practical four-week plan for practising gold trading on a demo account: realistic size, a written plan, a journal and what a demo cannot teach you.
Read article →BasicsGold CFD vs physical gold: what leverage does to gains and losses
Compare owning one ounce of gold with a leveraged XAUUSD CFD using the same price move. See the effect on return and on loss relative to the capital you post.
Read article →Risks to know before you start
Trading gold CFDs uses leverage. Prices can move fast and the money in your account can be wiped out. No method guarantees profit.
Use only money you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life, practise on a demo account first, and if you are unsure, speak to a licensed financial adviser. Offering or promoting leveraged products may be restricted or prohibited in your country, so check your local regulator.