The Blog

Everything I write about XAU/USD

My daily market analysis, the mechanics behind the gold market, and the history of the metal I trade. Written as I trade it, in my own words.

Latest

My gold market visual showing XAU/USD near $4,121 alongside 10Y yields, DXY and payrolls data

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #43: Gold Steadies Near $4,120 | 8 Oct 2026

Gold rebounds from a nine-week low near $4,066 as the dollar eases off its 18-month high, with US jobless claims and Fed speakers due later on 8 October.

2026-10-08

My XAU/USD dashboard with dollar, 10Y yield and oil data, 7 October 2026

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #42: Gold Tests $4,130 | 7 Oct 2026

Gold slips toward $4,130 as the dollar firms and yields hold near five-year highs ahead of today's FOMC minutes. I break down the key levels and scenarios for 7 October.

2026-10-07

My XAU/USD chart showing gold pulling back from Friday's $4,227 spike to test $4,100 support

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #41: Gold Tests $4,100 Support | 6 Oct 2026

Gold is hovering near $4,130 after tagging a two-month low at $4,103. I break down yields, the dollar, today's Fed speakers and the key levels for 6 October.

2026-10-06

Gold bar beside a falling chart, with US yields, dollar index, Brent and jobs data behind my 5 October gold analysis

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #40: Gold Holds $4,100 Ahead of ISM | 5 Oct 2026

Gold holds above $4,100 as yields and the dollar cap the rally. My 5 October read on key levels, the ISM Services PMI and the scenarios I am watching today.

2026-10-05

My illustration of gold bars beside an XAU/USD chart marked 4,197, 4,186 and 4,134, with a jobs report forecast sheet.

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #39: Gold Holds $4,180 Ahead of NFP | 2 Oct 2026

Gold sits near $4,180 as the dollar and 10-year yield stay firm. My key levels, scenarios and what to watch before today's US jobs data on Friday 2 October.

2026-10-02

My XAU/USD chart at $4,180.29 with key levels, DXY, yields and today's Fed events

Gold Market Analysis

Gold Analysis #38: Rebound Holds Above $4,180 | 1 Oct

Gold claws back above $4,180 on 1 October as the dollar stays firm and Treasury yields near multi-year highs cap the bounce. Levels, Fed outlook and today's calendar.

2026-10-01

Three 200g fine gold bars resting on a pile of gold coins

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #37: Gold Rejected Below $4,200 | 30 Sep 2026

Gold stalls under $4,200 resistance this morning as I weigh today's Core PCE, ADP and GDP data against a stretched risk-reward into London's open.

2026-09-30

My illustration of gold bars beside a falling XAU/USD chart, with Fed rate, DXY and Brent oil labels

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #36: Gold Steadies Near $4,140 After 4% Plunge | 29 Sep 2026

Gold steadies near $4,140 after Monday's 4% plunge. My 29 September read on yields, the dollar, Fed hike bets, JOLTS and the key XAU/USD levels to watch today.

2026-09-29

My illustration of gold bars, an oil barrel and the Fed building beside a falling XAU/USD chart at 4,180

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #35: Gold Breaks Below $4,200 | 28 Sep 2026

Gold breaks below $4,200 on 28 September as yields, the dollar and Fed hike bets bite. My key levels, session outlook and what I'm watching before the US open.

2026-09-28

My gold briefing infographic for 25 September: bearish Fed, yields and dollar pressures against bullish ETF and PBOC support

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #34: Gold Steadies Near $4,280 | 25 Sep 2026

Gold steadies near $4,280 after a weekly loss above 2%, as Fed hike bets and 5% yields keep the dollar firm. My key levels and outlook for 25 September.

2026-09-25

My gold market summary graphic showing XAU/USD at 4,284 with resistance at 4,303 and support at 4,275

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #33: Gold Tests $4280 | 24 Sep 2026

Gold is testing $4,280 on 24 September as Treasury yields hit 5.1% and the dollar firms. Here are my key levels, Fed speakers and what I'm watching today.

2026-09-24

Featured graphic for XAU/USD analysis showing $4,320 price, EMA resistance and key support levels

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #32: Gold Slips to $4,320 | 23 Sep 2026

Gold eases toward $4,320 as a firm dollar and hawkish Fed rhetoric cap gains, with traders parked ahead of US PMIs and Thursday's Trump-Xi summit.

2026-09-23

Gold History & Curiosities

To truly understand gold's value today, you must look at its past. In this category, I explore fascinating gold history and curiosities. From the brut

A standard trading desk I often observe, showing three screens with an economic calendar and a XAU/USD chart.

Gold History & Curiosities

Trading the London Open: My XAU/USD Asian Handover Strategy

I share my personal insights on trading the XAU/USD transition from the Asian session to the London open, breaking down liquidity sweeps and volume spikes.

2026-08-27

Rear view of a trader at my four-monitor desk, analysing chaotic gold charts after a flash crash.

Gold History & Curiosities

Flash Crashes in Gold: Surviving XAU/USD Danger Zones

Have you ever been caught in a gold flash crash? I explain why XAU/USD can spike $30 in minutes and how I protect my capital from algorithmic trading.

2026-08-25

My view of a stressed trader facing a red margin call warning and crashing charts on his trading screens.

Gold History & Curiosities

Gold Liquidity Trap: Why XAU/USD Plummets on Good News

Ever seen gold drop despite bullish news? I explain the liquidity trap, cross-asset margin calls, and why funds are forced to dump XAU/USD.

2026-08-20

My hand holding a physical gold bar in front of a screen showing blockchain code and crypto logos.

Gold History & Curiosities

Gold vs Crypto: Why Physical Metal Beats Digital Tokens

I explore why physical gold remains the ultimate store of value compared to cryptocurrency, looking at tangibility, historical trust, and XAU/USD reality.

2026-08-18

My representation of a concrete vault corridor showing gold bars in metal cages, leading to a massive circular steel door.

Gold History & Curiosities

The Fort Knox Myth: Is the US Gold Vault Actually Empty?

I dive into the enduring conspiracy theories surrounding Fort Knox, the reality of US gold reserves, and why market trust matters for XAU/USD traders.

2026-08-13

A dark underground gold mine tunnel featuring mechanised drilling equipment positioned next to a visible gold vein in the rough rock face, illuminated by warm overhead lighting.

Gold History & Curiosities

Peak Gold: How Much Minable Gold is Actually Left?

I explore the physical reality of peak gold. With diminishing geological reserves, find out how much minable gold is left and what it means for XAU/USD.

2026-08-11

View all Gold History & Curiosities articles →

Gold Market Analysis

This is the analytical core of my blog. Every morning, I publish my gold market analysis to prepare for the trading day ahead. I break down critical s

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #43: Gold Steadies Near $4,120 | 8 Oct 2026

Gold rebounds from a nine-week low near $4,066 as the dollar eases off its 18-month high, with US jobless claims and Fed speakers due later on 8 October.

2026-10-08

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #42: Gold Tests $4,130 | 7 Oct 2026

Gold slips toward $4,130 as the dollar firms and yields hold near five-year highs ahead of today's FOMC minutes. I break down the key levels and scenarios for 7 October.

2026-10-07

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #41: Gold Tests $4,100 Support | 6 Oct 2026

Gold is hovering near $4,130 after tagging a two-month low at $4,103. I break down yields, the dollar, today's Fed speakers and the key levels for 6 October.

2026-10-06

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #40: Gold Holds $4,100 Ahead of ISM | 5 Oct 2026

Gold holds above $4,100 as yields and the dollar cap the rally. My 5 October read on key levels, the ISM Services PMI and the scenarios I am watching today.

2026-10-05

Gold Market Analysis

Market Analysis #39: Gold Holds $4,180 Ahead of NFP | 2 Oct 2026

Gold sits near $4,180 as the dollar and 10-year yield stay firm. My key levels, scenarios and what to watch before today's US jobs data on Friday 2 October.

2026-10-02

Gold Market Analysis

Gold Analysis #38: Rebound Holds Above $4,180 | 1 Oct

Gold claws back above $4,180 on 1 October as the dollar stays firm and Treasury yields near multi-year highs cap the bounce. Levels, Fed outlook and today's calendar.

2026-10-01

View all Gold Market Analysis articles →

Gold Market Mechanics

Trading the chart is only half the battle; understanding the underlying machinery is the rest. Here, I dissect gold market mechanics. I explore how in

XAUUSD chart beside a COMEX GC gold futures bid and ask book

Gold Market Mechanics

Gold CFDs vs Futures: How I Trade Both Markets

A first-person look at trading gold through IC Markets CFDs and AMP Futures on COMEX — how the two markets actually differ, cost by cost, hour by hour.

2026-09-22

My infographic of gold bars in a vault and a dotted arrow from the Bank of England to New York, with key facts

Gold Market Mechanics

Venezuela’s $4bn Gold: Who Really Controls It?

Venezuela's 31 tonnes of gold could leave the Bank of England for New York. I explain the seven-year legal fight, who holds control and what it means for gold.

2026-09-21

A conceptual world map showing alternative digital payment rails, US debt, and a central XAU/USD gold bar.

Gold Market Mechanics

Gold Price Today: Why XAU/USD Thrives in a Fragmenting Global Economy

I analyse the shift away from a unipolar US dollar system, the $40 trillion debt milestone, and why central banks are hoarding gold as a neutral reserve.

2026-09-10

Gold Market Mechanics

Trading XAU/USD: Why Gold Is Still My Top Safe Haven

Wondering why gold remains a top safe haven asset? I share my personal experience trading XAU/USD and why this classic metal stays in my daily routine.

2026-08-20

A secure institutional gold vault filled with stacked bullion bars, featuring a wooden desk in the foreground with a stamped LBMA gold bar, market charts, and notes.

Gold Market Mechanics

LBMA & COMEX Explained: The Whales Moving XAU/USD

I look inside the world's largest gold exchanges, the LBMA and COMEX, to explain how massive institutional whales actually drive XAU/USD spot prices.

2026-08-18

An official auditing stacked gold bullion bars inside a central bank vault, representing national gold reserves.

Gold Market Mechanics

Central Bank Gold Hoarding: The De-Dollarisation Masterplan

I explore why global central banks are aggressively stockpiling physical gold bullion, and what this de-dollarisation shift means for XAU/USD traders.

2026-08-06

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Trader's Desk

Welcome to the Trader's Desk. While my main focus remains on dissecting the macro and technical landscape of gold, I know that successful trading is n

Trader's Desk

FTMO Review: Why I Trade Gold With This Prop Firm

I dive deep into the FTMO ecosystem, from the OANDA acquisition to the new FTMO Futures, explaining why their Swing Challenge is my top choice for trading.

2026-09-11

Trader's Desk

IC Trading Review: An Honest Look at the Offshore Broker

I dive deep into IC Trading, exploring its Mauritius regulation, MT5 spreads, and how it differs from the main IC broker. Is this offshore entity right for you?

2026-09-11

Trader's Desk

IC Markets Review 2026: An Independent Trader’s Verdict

After nearly a decade of trading XAU/USD, here is my honest IC review. I cover raw spreads, MT5 execution, 1:5000 leverage, and regulation.

2026-09-08

My view of a lone trader silhouetted against a blue horizon, reflecting on my transition to FTMO futures.

Trader's Desk

FTMO 2-Step vs Futures: A Gold Trader’s Guide (Beta)

Evaluating the new FTMO Futures Beta. I compare the $50K Futures to the $25K MT5 challenge, exploring trailing drawdowns, consistency, and XAU/USD vs MGC.

2026-09-02

My illustration of the London and New York market overlap connecting global trading sessions for XAU USD.

Trader's Desk

Best Time to Trade Gold: Your XAU/USD Golden Window

Discover the best time to trade gold. I break down the London-New York overlap and why the Wall Street cash open is my ultimate XAU/USD trading window.

2026-09-02

A trader analysing charts on three monitors, illustrating the focused professional desktop environment I recommend for gold.

Trader's Desk

Why I Stopped Trading XAU/USD on My Mobile Phone

Trading gold on a mobile phone removes friction but increases behavioural risk. Here is why I moved my XAU/USD trading strictly to a desktop setup.

2026-09-01

View all Trader's Desk articles →