Retail traders reduced exposure and prioritized risk management amid geopolitical uncertainty and mixed economic signals in Q2 2026.
Retail traders on the easyMarkets platform adopted a more defensive stance in Q2 2026, with gold and crude oil leading trading activity. Volumes moderated compared to Q2 2025 and Q1 2026 as clients favored shorter-term trades and tighter risk controls amid geopolitical tensions and unclear market direction.
Gold remained the most traded instrument, reflecting demand for safe-haven assets, while crude oil ranked second. US stock indices completed the top three. Traders increased use of stop-loss orders and reduced overall exposure, signaling a focus on capital preservation.
The shift follows a period of heightened volatility and mixed macroeconomic data, which made sustained market trends harder to identify. Clients remained selective, avoiding high-risk positions despite ongoing opportunities.