CME · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

Middle East Conflict Impact

CME GROUP INC. · 2026-07-24 · Importance 41 · Surprise 60

Heightened geopolitical conflict in the Middle East caused significant global economic uncertainty and supply disruptions during early 2026. The conflict increased volatility and contributed to higher first-half contract volumes in equity indexes, cryptocurrencies, energy, agricultural commodities and precious metals, while second-quarter volatility subsequently subsided as regional tensions eased. Disrupted crude oil and grain supply routes, uncertainty in energy markets and increased demand for crop-based fuels materially influenced CME Group’s trading activity through June 30, 2026.

Key facts

• In the second quarter of 2026, overall market volatility was high in early 2026 due to the heightened geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, but volatility subsided relative to periods earlier in the year in Q2 2026. source