Research Library / Instruments

Instruments

Gold Futures

Gold futures on COMEX are the benchmark gold futures contract — a 100-troy-ounce futures unit quoted in dollars and cents.

What it is

CME describes the gold futures contract as a 100-troy-ounce futures unit with dollars-and-cents quotation and nearly 24-hour electronic access. It is the reference contract for the precious-metals complex.

Futures versus ETF context

Gold exposure is also available through gold ETFs. Futures and ETFs are different structures — contract with expiration and roll versus a share without expiration. The research journal compares them structurally without recommending either.

Session context

Gold futures trade in defined sessions with extended electronic access. Confirm the current trading hours, contract terms and holiday schedule on the official CME Group page before trading.