Capital.com H1 2026 report shows gold dominated Q1 before AI earnings drove tech surge in Q2
Capital.com's H1 2026 Pulse Report reveals trading volume rose 27.7% to $2.45 trillion as gold led Q1 safe-haven flows before AI earnings sparked a tech rally in Q2.
Why it matters
The data illustrates how retail trader behavior shifted from safe-haven assets in Q1 to technology exposure in Q2, reflecting changing macro narratives. The significance is limited to trading platform activity patterns rather than broader market impact.
Key facts
Capital.com published its H1 2026 Pulse Report based on analysis of more than 80 million closed trades between January and June 2026
Reported by Finbold
Average monthly active traders grew 9.6% to about 96,115
96,115 tradersReported by Finbold
Gold hit successive price highs in January fueled by central bank purchases, a weaker dollar, and geopolitical tension
Reported by Finbold
February saw regulatory uncertainty around cryptocurrency derivatives pull traders back from engagement
Reported by Finbold
March delivered an oil supply shock that pushed trading volume up by around 700%
700 %Reported by Finbold
US Crude Oil Spot volume fell 10% in April, a further 5% in May, and 37% in June as the risk premium faded
Reported by Finbold
What happened
Finbold reported that Capital.com published its H1 2026 Pulse Report analyzing over 80 million closed trades across seven markets from January to June 2026. The report shows total trading volume climbed 27.7% to $2.45 trillion versus the prior half, with closed trades jumping 47.8% to 80.9 million. Average monthly active traders grew 9.6% to about 96,115. Gold dominated Q1 as macro uncertainty drove safe-haven demand, while February saw regulatory uncertainty around crypto derivatives reduce engagement. March recorded a 700% surge in oil trading volume from a supply shock, though volumes fell 10% in April, 5% in May, and 37% in June as the risk premium faded. AI earnings then drove a technology surge in Q2.
How the story developed
Affected entities
Also mentioned: Nasdaq
Original sources
| Publisher | Report | Role | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finbold Crypto media | Gold dominated Q1 before AI earnings drove a tech surge in Q2, Capital.com H1 2026 data shows | Original |
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