Gold quote today

What does the spot price for gold refer to?

The spot price of gold refers to the amount that will be paid for the gold for immediate delivery. Transactions for coins and cast bars are almost always evaluated using the market spot price. The gold spot market can be used throughout the day. Thanks to the different time zones of the stock exchanges in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo and Hong Kong; it is possible to have a real-time price of gold.

The Futures Market

The futures market on gold is based on the stipulation of contracts where the willingness to buy or sell gold at a certain price is confirmed. Futures on gold are used by gold producers to protect their raw materials from market fluctuations, but also as a method of speculating on market movements and the price of gold.

A futures contract on the price of gold is a legally binding agreement for the delivery of gold at a price agreed beforehand. Contracts are standardised by a forward exchange on quantity, quality, time and place of delivery. The price is the variable that changes and determines the amount of the contract.

Hedgers use this type of contact as a method to manage their risk on the purchase or sale of gold. Furthermore, it is undoubtedly a type of speculation that is beneficial to anyone who knows how to understand the market direction.

This type of contract may be open with two types of positions. A purchase position where you are obliged to purchase a certain quantity of gold at the predetermined price. And the sales position where you are obliged to provide the amount of gold agreed at the predetermined price.

The difference between spot price and futures price of gold

In most cases, the spot price and the futures price of gold are significantly different. The futures price is normally higher than the spot price, since it is assumed that the value of gold is always greater. The duration of a futures contract can determine a substantial difference in the price agreed.  

The difference between the spot price and the futures is expressed as annual percentage rate, known as "forward rate".

Gold Forward Offered Rate (GOFO)

The Gold Forward Offered Rate (GOFO) is the swap rate which determines the price of gold in futures contracts. For many years, the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) published the GOFO on every working day at one, two, three, six and twelve months. Acting as a point of reference and the basis for pricing at world level for futures contracts on gold. Unfortunately, the release of the GOFO by LBMA ended on 30 January 2015. Now, these rates are quoted individually by each dealer and quotations are not publicly available.

The GOFO is usually a positive rate, which means that the price of gold at the time of the future delivery will be higher than the spot price. However, in some cases, this type of percentage may become negative; which indicates a reduction in the price of gold.