ZAforexXAUUSD live chart
XAUUSD meaning
XAU is the ISO code for one troy ounce of gold ("X" for non-country assets, "AU" from aurum, Latin for gold). USD is the US dollar. So XAUUSD 4,150.00 means one ounce of gold costs $4,150. It behaves like a currency pair: buying XAUUSD profits if gold rises against the dollar.
Pips, points and lot size on gold
| Term | Typical broker definition |
|---|---|
| 1 standard lot | 100 troy ounces |
| Minimum price move | $0.01 |
| Value of a $1.00 move on 1 lot | $100 |
| Value of a $0.01 move on 0.01 lot | $0.01 |
Brokers differ: some call $0.10 a pip, others $0.01, and contract sizes can vary. Always check the contract specification, then use our pip calculator (choose XAUUSD) to see the value in rand.
Best time to trade gold from South Africa
Gold volume peaks during the London session (from 09:00/10:00 SAST) and especially the London–New York overlap, roughly 14:00 to 18:00 SAST. US data at 14:30 SAST (15:30 in the US winter), such as NFP and CPI, can move gold $20–$50 in minutes.
Is XAUUSD a buy or sell today?
Nobody can tell you reliably. Many traders combine the trend on the daily chart, key support and resistance levels, and the economic calendar. The technical-analysis gauge below summarises moving averages and oscillators; it is a tool, not a signal service.
Frequently asked questions
What is XAUUSD?
The price of one troy ounce of gold in US dollars, traded like a currency pair.
Is gold forex?
Gold is a commodity, but brokers list it with forex pairs because it trades in the same way, quoted against currencies.
How much is 1 pip in XAUUSD?
Most brokers treat $0.01 as the minimum move; on one standard lot (100 oz) that is $1. Some call $0.10 a pip ($10 per lot). Check your broker's specification.