Geopolitical Tensions Drive Crude Oil Trading Surge in Q1, easyMarkets Reports

easyMarkets' Q1 2026 Market Recap, published today, reveals crude oil as one of the platform's fastest-growing asset classes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving the US, Iran, Palestinian territories, and Strait of Hormuz concerns. Gold stayed the most-traded instrument but saw volumes drop ~40% from Q4 2025 levels, while overall activity shifted from central bank drivers to regional risks. Traders adopted short-term intraday strategies and boosted take-profit order usage, stabilizing exposure and margin amid volatility. The report signals potential sustained oil trader interest into Q2 if tensions endure.