CMC Markets Australia has reported a massive 1,193% surge in Brent crude trade counts during March 2026 compared to February, coinciding with US and Israeli military strikes on Iran that effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz. Brent prices spiked 13% to $82 per barrel on March 2nd, reaching a 14-month high before later climbing above $115.
The broker’s latest data also reveals significant client repositioning following Bitcoin’s collapse from its October 2025 peak of $126,080. Between December 2025 and January 2026, Bitcoin trade counts dropped 27% while gold trading surged 44%, suggesting a flight from risk assets. Commonwealth Bank of Australia share trading fell 53% in early 2026 after the stock hit A$158 against a fair value estimate of A$95.
Notably, CMC has recently expanded 24/7 crypto CFD trading and weekend gold CFDs for Australian clients, though the report doesn’t address whether extended access fueled reactive trading behavior. Australian regulator ASIC previously found 68% of retail CFD investors lose money.
FXnCO Insight
Brokers expanding after-hours access to volatile assets may be amplifying emotional, momentum-driven trading during geopolitical crises.
Source: Finance Magnates