Gold vs silver futures: GC, MGC, SI and SIL compared
Metals react to the dollar, rates and risk sentiment rather than to company earnings, which makes them a good diversifier next to NQ and ES.
Key specs
| Gold | Silver | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | GC — 100 oz, $100 per $1 | SI — 5,000 oz, $5,000 per $1 |
| Tick | 0.10 = $10 | 0.005 = $25 |
| Micro | MGC — 10 oz, $10 per $1 ($1 tick) | SIL — 1,000 oz, $1,000 per $1 |
| Character | Deep liquidity, respects levels | Thinner, spikier, bigger % moves |
Why MFT trades gold, not silver
Gold has more liquidity and cleaner reactions to session highs and lows. Silver often wicks through levels and has larger percentage swings, which makes fixed-risk intraday models harder to run.
Best times for gold
The London session (around 02:00–05:00 ET) and the New York morning, especially right after the 08:30 ET US data releases, are the most active windows. MFT runs a dedicated London Silver Bullet window for gold.
Common questions
Is gold good for prop trading?
Yes — MGC micros allow small risk, and gold often moves independently of the indices.
Why is silver so volatile?
Smaller market, industrial demand and thinner order books lead to larger percentage moves.
Let MFT follow the rules for you
Five rule-based models on NQ, ES and Gold, exact levels, and optional automation to your prop or live account with news, close and profit-target protection.
Educational content only, not financial advice. Prop firm rules change — always confirm on the firm's site.