Spread: the cost you see first
The spread is the difference between the buy and sell price. On gold, it can look small in quiet markets and then widen around data releases, session changes or fast moves. Compare typical spread, not only the minimum spread shown in marketing.
If you trade frequently, spread becomes a repeated cost. A strategy that looks profitable on a clean chart can fail after normal spread and slippage are included.
Swap: the cost many traders check too late
A gold CFD held overnight may receive or pay financing depending on broker terms, direction and interest-rate assumptions. In practice, many retail traders focus on entry price and only notice the swap after holding the position.
Check the broker swap table before opening a trade that might last more than one session. Also check whether a larger weekend charge is applied on a specific weekday.
- Long gold swap
- Short gold swap
- Triple-swap or weekend adjustment day
- Rollover time
- Whether swap values are fixed or variable
Conversion, slippage and account charges
If your account is in EUR, GBP or another currency, gold trades quoted in USD may create conversion costs. That can affect both realized profit and loss. The broker may apply conversion at trade close, daily, or through account currency mechanics.
Slippage is the difference between expected and executed price. It matters most during news, gaps and low-liquidity moments. Guaranteed stops can reduce gap risk where available, but they may come with a premium or wider dealing terms.