Weak US Jobs Data Drives $2.5 Billion Gold Futures Surge on Binance

Gold (XAU) futures on Binance recorded one of their strongest trading days in four months on Friday. The surge followed a July jobs report that missed expectations.

The move came alongside a broader gold rally, which ended a four-month losing streak. Investors appear to be returning to the precious metal after months of pressure.

Weak Jobs Data Boosts Gold 

BeInCrypto reported that nonfarm payrolls (NFP) fell by 23,000 in July, compared with a forecast of an 85,000 gain.

Revisions to May and June erased another 103,000 jobs. The unemployment rate still fell to 4.1%. However, the decline did not reflect stronger hiring conditions.

Instead, 264,000 people left the labor force during the month. That pushed participation to 61.4%, its lowest level in nearly five and a half years.

Gold responded quickly to the data, closing Friday’s session 2.48% higher. The metal has gained more than 6% since the start of August.

Follow us on X to get the latest news as it happens

Gold Futures Activity Surges on Binance

Binance’s XAU futures market also captured that momentum. Analyst Darkfost highlighted that gold futures recorded more than $2.5 billion in volume on Friday alone.

This marked one of the strongest trading sessions in four months. Since launching on Binance roughly nine months ago, gold futures have surpassed $200 billion in cumulative trading volume.

The activity highlights growing demand among crypto-native traders for exposure to traditional safe-haven assets.

“This renewed interest in gold, combined with weakening employment data, confirms that the market appears to be pricing in a possible deterioration of the economic situation,” the analyst said.

Traditional gold markets have also shown a parallel shift. Global gold-backed exchange-traded funds attracted $3 billion in July.

That inflow reversed two consecutive months of outflows. Total assets under management also rose 1% to $530 billion. European funds accounted for most July inflows. 

The weak jobs report also reshaped expectations for the Federal Reserve’s September meeting. Markets now see a 44% chance of a rate hike, down from 67%.

The shift could further support gold if traders continue to price in a less restrictive policy outlook. The next major catalyst is the July CPI data, due Wednesday, August 12.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch leaders and journalists provide expert insights