Gold Futures
What are gold futures?
Representing 100 troy ounces of gold, CME Group's gold futures contract is one of the most widely traded metals contracts in the world. Gold futures can allow investors and traders to participate in an alternative to the traditional means of investing in gold. Gold futures can be used as a way to hedge against inflation as gold prices have historically responded quickly to political and economic events. In recent years, CME Group has introduced the mini gold futures contract and micro gold futures contract. The micro gold futures contract is 1/10th of the size of the standard gold futures contract.
How to trade gold futures
Gold futures, E-mini gold futures and Micro E-mini gold futures can be traded nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week on the thinkorswim® trading platforms.
Gold futures contract specifications
Considering trading gold futures? Here are the gold futures contract specifications.
| Exchange, Symbol | COMEX, /GC |
| Multiplier | 100 troy ounces |
| Minimum Tick Size and Value | .10 = $10.00 |
| Settlement | Physical1 |
| Trading Hours | Sunday 6 pm - Friday - 5 pm ET (5 pm - 4 pm CT) with a daily maintenance period from 5 pm - 6 pm ET (4 pm - 5 pm CT) |
At Schwab, you also get access to advanced trading platforms and education, where you can take advantage of market research, real-time gold futures quotes, and other specialized tools.
Gold FAQ
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Gold futures can make it possible to take advantage of opportunities in nearly all market conditions and can be used as a way to hedge against inflation. Gold futures can also offer potential opportunity for portfolio diversification by presenting an alternative to physical gold, gold coins, and gold mining stocks. Options on gold futures are also available.
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It is important to understand the benefits and risks involved with gold futures before placing a futures trade. With gold futures you can trade nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week and take advantage of potential trading opportunities regardless of market direction. Gold futures also provide the ability to trade with greater leverage and can allow a more efficient use of trading capital. However, trading leveraged products like gold futures is not suitable for all investors. It involves risks that greater losses can occur with smaller market movements, and more than your initial investment can be lost.
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Futures trading at Schwab
Take advantage of specialized education, platform, and support.
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Just getting started with futures? Learn more about futures and the unique advantages and risks of futures trading.