L3.2 — London Session: Expansion, Direction, and Entry Windows

The London open (07:00-08:30 UTC) is the highest-probability entry window for gold setups. Volume surges, the Asian range typically breaks in one direction, and institutional participants initiate positions that drive directional moves. The first 30-60 minutes of London often establish the directional bias for the entire London session.

The trade execution window on gold during London is tight. The optimal entry window after an Asian range break is typically the first 15-20 minute candle pullback after the break candle. By the time the London session reaches mid-session (10:00-12:00 UTC), the initial move has often extended significantly and new entries require a fresh structural level to justify them.

The London close period (16:00-17:00 UTC) sometimes produces a reversal of the day's London move — participants close positions before the transition to New York. Be cautious about adding to London-direction entries near London close; managing existing positions at this time is more relevant than initiating new ones.