US Midterm Elections: Market Volatility and the Outlook for Retail Trading Volumes
By Sylwester Majewski
AI summary of the source article
Recent market consolidation has lowered retail trading activity, but upcoming events like the November 2026 US midterms may trigger volatility. Historical data shows periods of elevated volatility frequently coincide with higher retail CFD trading volumes.
Why it matters
For retail brokers, whose revenues depend partly on trading activity, changes in market volatility can have a real effect on business performance by creating speculative trading opportunities.
Key facts
- The United States will hold its midterm elections on 3 November 2026.
- Retail CFD volumes have maintained a steady upward trend since January 2022, frequently coinciding with higher VIX readings.
- In February and March 2026, the VIX climbed above 30, while the OVX exceeded 120 in February.
Source excerpt · Finance Magnates
Financial markets have experienced a period of relatively smaller activity in recent weeks, with several major instruments trading within narrow ranges. Gold, which has emerged as one of the main drivers of retail CFD trading volumes in recent years, has also experienced a period of consolidation. For brokers, such conditions can translate into lower trading activity, fewer transactions and reduce…