GOLD (XAUUSD) -Monthly Analysis & Trading Plan (Aug 2025)GoldOANDA:XAUUSDMuhammad_AounGOLD (XAUUSD) -Monthly Analysis & Trading Plan (Aug 2025) Title: XAUUSD: Correction in Progress, Patience is Key for the Next Move Chart: XAUUSD Monthly (1M) Analysis Type: ICT/SMC, Price Action, & Moving Average Summary: After a historic and powerful bull run that saw Gold (XAUUSD) breach all-time highs in the first half of 2025, the market has entered a significant corrective phase. The massive red candle in June signaled a strong reversal of momentum, and the current July candle confirms that sellers remain in control, albeit with less intensity. This is a critical juncture for long-term traders, and a strategic approach is required. Key Observations & Analysis 1. **Price Action & Market Structure:** The move from late 2024 through May 2025 was a textbook "impulsive leg." The sharp reversal in June 2025, with a powerful bearish candle, likely acted as a **liquidity grab** or a **high-volume distribution event**, trapping late buyers. The market is now in a clear **break in market structure (BOS)** to the downside on this long-term timeframe, suggesting the correction is not over. 2. **ICT/SMC Concepts:** * **Imbalance/Fair Value Gap (FVG):** The rapid bullish move created significant imbalances on the monthly chart. Price often returns to fill these gaps. The current correction is likely heading to fill or test these inefficiencies. * **Order Block (OB):** The massive bullish move in late 2024/early 2025 likely created a strong bullish order block. The current sell-off is heading toward this potential institutional demand zone. * **Liquidity:** The lows from late 2024 and early 2025 will be key liquidity pools. Smart money will likely be targeting these areas for a potential reversal or accumulation. 3. **Moving Average Analysis (MMA):** * The price is currently trading above both the purple and yellow moving averages, which are still pointing upward. This confirms the long-term trend remains bullish, and the current move is a correction within that trend. * The **purple moving average** is a key support level to watch. A test of this level would be a high-probability event, and its reaction will be crucial for the next major move. Suggested Entry & Exit Levels 1. Aggressive Entry (Short) Rationale The bearish momentum, though slowing, is still the dominant force. An aggressive trader could look for a continuation of the short-term bearish trend. Entry/b] A short entry could be considered on a pullback to the recent highs around **$3,400 - $3,500** if a strong bearish candlestick pattern forms on a lower timeframe (e.g., weekly or daily). Stop Loss A tight stop-loss placed just above the recent high, for example, **$3,600**. This is a high-risk entry, so position sizing should be small. Target The first major target would be the **moving average support level**, roughly in the **$3,000 - $3,100** zone. The ultimate target for a full correction would be the order block from late 2024, around **$2,800**. 2. Conservative Entry (Long) Rationale The long-term trend is still bullish. The current move is a correction. The most prudent approach is to wait for a high-probability long entry at a key support level. Entry/b] Wait for price to reach the **purple moving average support zone (around $3,000 - $3,100)**. Look for a clear reversal signal on this level, such as a large bullish "pin bar" or "engulfing candle" on the monthly or weekly chart. This would be a high-probability demand zone for a reversal. Stop Loss A stop-loss should be placed below this key support level, perhaps around **$2,850 - $2,900**, giving the trade room to breathe. Target The first target for a new bullish leg would be the New swing high around **$3,800**. The ultimate long-term target would be a new all-time high above **$4,000**. Conclusion The Gold market is in a crucial phase. The bullish party from earlier in 2025 is over for now, and a healthy correction is underway. **The most logical and safe approach is to wait for the market to complete its corrective move.** Do not attempt to catch a falling knife. Instead, be patient and wait for price to reach a key institutional demand zone (our moving average support or the late 2024 order block) and show a clear sign of reversal. This will present a high-probability, low-risk long entry for the next impulsive move up. Disclaimer This is not financial advice. Please perform your own due diligence and risk management. Trading involves a significant risk of loss.