ATFX Trading Volumes Drop 29% After Record Q1

ATFX saw client trading volumes fall 29% in the second quarter of 2026, retreating from a record-breaking start to the year as broader market activity cooled across the retail forex and CFDs sector.

The broker reported total trading volume of $777 billion for the three months to June, equivalent to a monthly average of $259 billion. That compares with $1.09 trillion in the first quarter, which the company had described as a record period. Despite the sequential slowdown, ATFX pointed to an 8.22% year-on-year increase in its active client base, signalling that trader participation continued to expand even as overall volumes eased.

Energy trading explodes with 787% annual surge

The standout performer in ATFX's asset class breakdown was energy, where trading volumes rocketed 787% year-on-year. The company attributed the surge to heightened volatility in global energy markets, which drove increased client activity across oil, natural gas and related instruments during the quarter.

Crypto and indices post double-digit gains

Cryptocurrency trading also delivered strong momentum, rising 33.42% quarter-on-quarter and 22.88% compared with the same period a year earlier. Indices recorded year-on-year growth of 11.73%, while forex, traditionally the largest revenue driver for retail brokers, posted a more modest 7.63% increase over the same timeframe.

Chairman points to business resilience

Joe Li, Chairman of ATFX, framed the results as evidence of the company's underlying strength. “Our priority at ATFX has always been to provide clients what they need to navigate the changing market conditions,” Li said. “The continued growth in client participation and healthy performance across our core markets demonstrate the resilience of our business and reinforce our commitment to delivering a world-class trading experience.”

The broker indicated it would continue investing in its trading ecosystem, market access and execution standards, with the growing active client base providing a foundation for future volumes even as quarter-on-quarter comparisons normalise from the exceptional levels seen at the start of 2026.