Capital.com, a global fintech firm that develops online trading platforms, has released its Q1 2026 trading update, reporting $1.27 trillion in client trading volume between January and March 2026. This marks an 11.2 percent increase from the $1.14 trillion recorded in Q4 2025.
The total number of trades executed surged by 81 percent year-on-year compared to Q1 2025. January emerged as the busiest month within the six-month period, reaching approximately $502 billion in trading volume—an 11.5 percent increase over October 2025, the next most active month. This growth was largely driven by rising gold prices and central bank purchases reaching a 25-year high.
The Middle East contributed a substantial portion of overall trading activity during the quarter, with the UAE ranking among the top three markets alongside Germany and the United Kingdom, reflecting trends seen in Q4 2025. The regional breakdown highlights participation across markets where Capital.com holds regulatory licences.
Tarik Chebib, CEO for the Middle East at Capital.com, noted: “Q1 2026 saw three major market developments—record-breaking gold prices in January, cryptocurrency volatility in February, and ongoing conflict in the Middle East that triggered two waves of oil trading activity in March. Each of these events created unique decision-making pressures for traders.”
Gold Spot was the most traded instrument during Q1 2026, accounting for around 59 percent of platform activity in January, as prices continued to hit record highs. The surge in gold prices was supported by strong central bank buying, a weaker US dollar, and persistent geopolitical tensions.
