How much does gold move in a day? On average, about 1.4%, and more on big news days. In this article we look at the StoneX research behind that figure, explain what happens to the daily range when US inflation data is released, and show why knowing the typical range is the starting point for sensible risk.
A normal day
StoneX research found that gold's average intraday range is about 1.41%, based on roughly ten years of data. That is the typical distance between the day's high and low. On a market trading in the thousands of dollars an ounce, 1.41% is a move of well over fifty dollars, which is far more than many beginners expect when they first open a gold chart.
News days
On days when US inflation (CPI) figures are released, the same research shows the average range rises to about 1.54%. That is why we flag big news times in the group: the market is measurably more volatile, spreads can widen, and a stop-loss that looked comfortable on a quiet day can be reached much faster. Knowing the calendar lets you adjust or stay out.
Know your risk before you trade
The average range tells you how far gold can realistically travel against you in a single session. Use it to sense-check two things: whether your stop-loss is far enough away to survive normal noise, and whether your lot size keeps that stop-loss affordable. A trade sized for a quiet market can be painful on a CPI day. Know your risk before you trade, and every idea we send gives you the levels to do exactly that.
Key takeaways
- Gold's average intraday range is about 1.41% (StoneX, ten years of data)
- On US CPI days the average range rises to about 1.54%
- Use the typical range to sense-check your stop-loss and lot size
Common questions
What is the average daily range of gold?
About 1.41% between the day's high and low, according to StoneX research based on roughly ten years of data.
Does gold move more on news days?
Yes. On US CPI release days the average intraday range rises to about 1.54%, which is why we flag big news times.
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