Highlights
- The active Gold contract rallied past $4,750/oz in August 2026, driven by growing concerns over stagflation and potential policy errors, which bolstered the safe-haven appeal of the precious metal. However, a hawkish speech by the Fed Chair at Jackson Hole significantly increased the probability of a September rate hike according to FedWatch erasing some of those gains. Gold eventually settled the month at $4,481.50/oz, up 9.1% month-over-month (MoM), taking back some of the gains before the price eventually settled the month at $4,481.5/oz, up 9.1% MoM.
- Unsurprisingly, silver tracked its yellow counterpart closely, though with higher volatility, closing the month up 15.9% MoM at $66.990/oz. The rally in the white metal appeared to be driven primarily by momentum investors, as overall positioning remained light by historical standards.
- Despite a late-month surge in U.S. dollar strength, active copper prices ended August 2026 at a record high of $6.6875/lb, up 3.4% MoM. Ongoing uncertainty around refined copper tariffs continued to pull physical supply into the U.S., while broader supply disruptions provided further upward price pressure.
- Against this backdrop of global market uncertainty, Micro-sized Metals contracts continue to see robust trading activity:
- Micro Gold, Silver and Copper futures year-to-date (YTD) 2026 average daily volume (ADV) and average daily open interest (ADOI) reached historical highs of 589,919 and 97,456 contracts, respectively.
- Market participants can now trade 1-Ounce Gold (1OZ) futures liquidity over the weekend with 24/7 access across select markets.
- 100-Ounce Silver (SIC) futures will be available for 24/7 and weekend trading starting September 11, 2026, pending regulatory review. (Press Release)
Micro Gold (MGC), Micro Silver (SIL) and Micro Copper (MHG) Futures Update
MGC, SIL and MHG price movement and daily range (expressed in terms of one lot notional)
*Intraday price movement is expressed as the difference between the daily high price and the daily low price multiplied by the contract notional in troy ounce (MGC and SIL) and pounds (MHG).
Options Heatmap (Change in OI from August 3rd to September 1st, 2026)
Key Economic Events in September/October 2026:
|
Key Economic Event |
ET |
GMT / BST |
SGT / HKT |
|---|---|---|---|
|
U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI |
Sep 1, 10.00 a.m. |
Sep 1, 3.00 p.m. |
Sep 1, 10.00 p.m. |
|
U.S. Non Farm Payrolls |
Sep 4, 8.30 a.m. |
Sep 4, 1.30 p.m. |
Sep 4, 8.30 p.m. |
|
China Balance of Trade |
Sep 7, 11.00 p.m. |
Sep 8, 4.00 a.m. |
Sep 8, 11.00 a.m. |
|
China Inflation Rate YoY |
Sep 8, 9.30 p.m. |
Sep 9, 2.30 a.m. |
Sep 9, 9.30 a.m. |
|
U.S. Inflation Numbers |
Sep 11, 8.30 a.m. |
Sep 11, 1.30 p.m. |
Sep 11, 8.30 p.m. |
|
China Industrial Production YoY |
Sep 14, 10.00 p.m. |
Sep 15, 3.00 a.m. |
Sep 15, 10.00 a.m. |
|
Fed Interest Rate Decision, FOMC Economic Projections and Fed Press Conference |
Sep 16, 2.00 p.m. |
Sep 16, 7.00 p.m. |
Sep 17, 2.00 a.m. |
|
China NBS Manufacturing PMI |
Sep 29, 9.30 p.m. |
Sep 30, 2.30 a.m. |
Sep 30, 9.30 a.m. |
|
RatingDog Manufacturing PMI |
Sep 29, 9.45 p.m. |
Sep 30, 2.45 a.m. |
Sep 30, 9.45 a.m. |
|
U.S. Core PCE Price Index |
Sep 30, 8.30 a.m. |
Sep 30, 1.30 p.m. |
Sep 30, 8.30 p.m. |
|
U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI |
Oct 1, 10.00 a.m. |
Oct 1, 3.00 p.m. |
Oct 1, 10.00 p.m. |
|
U.S. Non Farm Payrolls |
Oct 2, 8.30 a.m. |
Oct 2, 1.30 p.m. |
Oct 2, 8.30 p.m. |
|
FOMC Minutes |
Oct 7, 2.00 p.m. |
Oct 7, 7.00 p.m. |
Oct 8, 2.00 a.m |
|
China Balance of Trade |
Oct 13, 11.00 p.m. |
Oct 14, 4.00 a.m. |
Oct 14, 11.00 a.m. |
|
U.S. Inflation Numbers |
Oct 14, 8.30 a.m. |
Oct 14, 1.30 p.m. |
Oct 14, 8.30 p.m. |
|
China Industrial Production YoY |
Oct 18, 10.00 p.m. |
Oct 19, 3.00 a.m. |
Oct 19, 10.00 a.m. |
|
Fed Interest Rate Decision and Fed Press Conference |
Oct 28, 2.00 p.m. |
Oct 28, 6.00 p.m. |
Oct 29, 2.00 a.m. |
|
U.S. Core PCE Price Index |
Oct 29, 8.30 a.m. |
Oct 29, 12.30 p.m. |
Oct 29, 8.30 p.m. |
|
China NBS Manufacturing PMI |
Oct 30, 9.30 p.m. |
Oct 31, 1.30 a.m. |
Oct 31, 9.30 a.m. |
Source: CME Group, QuikStrike
Useful resources
Stay up-to-date with the latest probabilities of FOMC rate moves with the CME FedWatch Tool.
The Commitments of Traders (COT) tool can provide a comprehensive and highly configurable graphical representation of the CFTC's report on market open interest.
Build and test your trading strategies in a simulated environment with free pricing and analytics tools for CME Group markets. Choose from three ways to access exclusive, web-based tools developed by QuikStrike®.
Disclaimer
Exchange traded derivatives and cleared over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of loss. Exchange traded and OTC derivatives are leveraged instruments and because only a percentage of a contract’s value is required to trade, it is possible to lose more than the amount of money initially deposited. This communication does not (within the meaning of any applicable legislation) constitute a Prospectus or a public offering of securities; nor is it a recommendation, offer, invitation or solicitation to buy, sell or retain any specific investment or service.
The content in this communication has been compiled by CME Group for general purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be construed as advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and you should obtain appropriate professional advice before acting on or relying on the information set out in this communication. Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information within this communication as of the date of publication, CME Group assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions and will not update it. Additionally, all examples and information in this communication are used for explanation purposes only and should not be considered, investment advice, the results of actual market experience, or the promotion of any particular products or services. All matters pertaining to rules and specifications herein are made subject to and superseded by official Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (“CME”), the Chicago Board of Trade, Inc. (“CBOT”), the New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (“NYMEX”), and the Commodity Exchange, Inc. (“COMEX”) rulebooks or, as applicable, the respective Rulebooks of CME Group’s certain other subsidiary trading facilities. Current rules should be consulted in all cases including matters relevant to contract specifications.