• AUD/USD
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  • EUR/GBP
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  • EUR/JPY
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  • EUR/USD
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  • GBP/USD
    SELL
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    CHG
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  • USD/CAD
    SELL
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  • USD/CHF
    SELL
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  • USD/JPY
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Gold in the forex space: all-time highs and correlations

Explore how gold's record high impacts its correlation with key forex pairs like AUD/USD, NZD/USD, and safe-haven currencies CHF/JPY, amidst shifting global economic dynamics and risk sentiment.

gold bars
Source: Shutterstock
Picture of Bridgette Laszlo
Bridgette Laszlo
Content Strategist, Chicago

Key points

  • Gold reached a record high of $2,685 amid global market shifts
  • AUD/USD and NZD/USD exhibit positive correlations with gold: 0.41 and 0.42
  • USD/CHF and USD/JPY show inverse correlations with gold: -0.38 and -0.40
  • Gold's rise linked to safe-haven demand as risk sentiment changes

Gold Reaches All-Time Highs

Gold reached a new all-time high of $2,685 today, extending its upward momentum as markets assessed global demand for safe-haven assets and the monetary policy outlook of major central banks. This surge was partly driven by investors shifting away from riskier ventures in China’s capital markets. Nonetheless, robust US economic data tempered gold's gains, as it supported a less-dovish stance from the Federal Reserve. Such economic indicators highlight gold's complex role within the forex sphere—serving as a refuge in uncertain times while being sensitive to economic shifts.

Gold Correlations in Forex Space

Gold's role in the forex market is deeply influenced by its correlations with economic dynamics, especially in resource-driven economies, trade relationships, and risk sentiment. Currencies like AUD, NZD, and CAD show strong correlations with commodities, reflecting their economies' reliance on commodity exports like gold. For instance, as gold prices rise, Australia’s economy may benefit, potentially strengthening the Australian Dollar. Conversely, countries heavily importing commodities might face economic strain due to rising prices, affecting their currency's strength. This interplay is crucial for forex traders analyzing currency movements related to commodity price fluctuations.

Recently Correlated Gold Pairs: AUD/USD and NZD/USD

The AUD/USD and NZD/USD pairs exemplify strong correlations with gold, boasting 3-month positive correlation values of 0.41 and 0.42, respectively. As gold prices rise, these currency pairs typically appreciate, driven by Australia's significant role as a leading gold producer. This strengthens the Australian Dollar when export revenues increase—an essential consideration for traders tracking AUD/USD. Similarly, while New Zealand's direct ties to gold are less pronounced, NZD benefits from regional dynamics and investor confidence fostered by rising gold prices. Such correlations are valuable for traders leveraging commodity trends in forex strategies.

Historical Safe-Haven Correlations: CHF/JPY

Risk sentiment is a key factor in the correlations between gold and certain currency pairs. In risk-off scenarios, investors tend towards safe-haven assets like gold, affecting currencies like USD/CHF and USD/JPY that exhibit inverse correlations of -0.38 and -0.40 with gold. As gold prices climb due to heightened demand, these pairs often weaken, reflecting investors' retreat from riskier USD-tied assets. When risk appetite returns, the shift can reverse, with gold prices possibly declining as demand wanes. Understanding these relationships helps traders navigate the forex market's complexities, especially during volatile periods.

How to trade US dollar

  1. Open an account to get started, or practice on a demo account
  2. Choose your forex trading platform
  3. Open, monitor, and close positions on USD pairs

Trading forex requires an account with a forex provider like tastyfx. Many traders also watch major forex pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY for potential opportunities based on economic events such as inflation releases or interest rate decisions. Economic events can produce more volatility for forex pairs, which can mean greater potential profits and losses as risks can increase at these times.

You can help develop your forex trading strategies using resources like tastyfx’s YouTube channel. Our curated playlists can help you stay up to date on current markets and understanding key terms. Once your strategy is developed, you can follow the above steps to opening an account and getting started trading forex.

Your profit or loss is calculated according to your full position size. Leverage will magnify both your profits and losses. It’s important to manage your risks carefully as losses can exceed your deposit. Ensure you understand the risks and benefits associated with trading leveraged products before you start trading with them. Trade using money you’re comfortable losing. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Reviewed by:
Frank Kaberna
Director of Strategy, Chicago