Weekend trading gold at IG: stay ahead of the game

Gold surges to all-time high in 2024

Since the start of 2024, Spot Goldhave surged more than 28%, rising from around $2,000 to an all-time high above $2,600 per ounce. This robust rally has been driven by several key factors:

• Increased global economic uncertainty: Inflationary pressures, rising geopolitical tensions, and recession risks have made safe-haven assets like gold more attractive to investors.

• Weakening U.S. dollar: The Federal Reserve's projected rate-cutting cycle has weakened the U.S. dollar from its peak in 2023, further enhancing the appeal of dollar-denominated gold.

• Election-year dynamics: The uncertainty and narrative surrounding an election-packed year, especially the U.S. presidential election, typically increase market volatility, prompting investors to diversify into safe-haven assets like gold.

Given these factors, it's no surprise that gold has gained even more shine in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, it's anticipated that most of these drivers will continue to bolster the appeal of the yellow metal. For investors seeking portfolio diversification and aiming to mitigate risk in an uncertain global economic environment, gold remains an asset worth long-term consideration.

How to get a step ahead in gold trading?

The financial markets have evolved significantly over the years, offering traders and investors innovative ways to access global opportunities. One such advancement is weekend trading, allowing individuals to extend their trading activities beyond traditional weekday market hours, enabling them to trade on Saturdays and Sundays. Here are the key benefits:

Seizing opportunities quickly

While markets may be closed over the weekend, volatility doesn't sleep. Take this year for example, there are several major events have occurred over the weekend to significantly impact the markets. With weekend trading, you can enter the precious metals market on Saturdays and Sundays, ensuring you don’t miss out on opportunities.

Our indices and spot gold weekend trading hours are from 4:00 PM on Saturday to 6:40 AM on Monday, Singapore Standard Time (SGT).

Hedging weekday market risks

You can hedge your existing positions by opening weekend positions in the same market. Weekend prices are quoted separately from weekday prices, based on factors such as volatility, client activity, and news flow.

For example, if you anticipate negative news over the weekend that could impact the market at the start of the next week, you can open a short position during the weekend. If your prediction is correct, your short position can generate a profit, offsetting some of the potential losses in your weekday position.

Trade on award-winning platform

IG is currently the only platform offering weekend gold trading, with no overnight interest charges. You can trade anytime, anywhere. If you still hold a weekend position by 5:40 AM on Monday (SGT), it will automatically be netted off against your weekday position (unless you’ve set stop-loss or limit orders). In such cases, your weekend position will automatically convert into a regular weekday position with your stop-loss and limit orders remaining in place.

Strategies for successful weekend trading

To make the most of IG’s weekend trading feature, traders should consider the following strategies:

• Stay tune on market events: Be prepared and keep a close eye on global events and news that might affect the price of your target asset. Once you spot a market-moving event, be ready to act swiftly.

• Technical analysis: Make use of various technical analysis tools and indicators to identify potential entry and exit points. Leverage historical price data and chart patterns available on IG’s platform to prepare for weekend trading.

• Risk management: Always manage your trading risk. Use IG’s stop-loss and take-profit orders to protect your funds and secure profits when necessary.

• Diversify your portfolio: Consider diversifying across different asset classes and markets to balance your portfolio and potentially improve returns.

• Practice with a demo account: If you’re new to weekend trading, you could try applying your strategies with IG’s demo account to help build up confidence through the trading practice.

Conclusion

IG’s weekend trading feature opens a new door to global markets. With our intuitive platform and a wide range of trading options, you can stay on top of market trends during the weekend and execute your trading strategies. Whether you're an experienced trader or a newcomer, IG provides the tools you need to succeed in weekend trading.