As the world markets continue into a new cycle that sees them plunging into much trouble and uncertainty, the year 2026 beckons to be one that is ridden with high uncertainty and volatility in terms of geopolitical and macroeconomic trends. Although the year may pose various threats to traders, it also comes along with unparalleled opportunities that may be leveraged to achieve trading success through various trading assets set to display notable volatility trends in the year 2026.
JustMarkets
From long-term fundamentals to trading dynamics, these five key assets on JustMarkets are set to continue to be at the forefront in trading in 2026.
1. Gold (XAU/USD): The Ultimate Macro-Driven Asset
The gold price in 2025 reached $4,500 per troy ounce, and it continues to be one of the most traded assets world-wide. Gold is extremely sensitive to changes in the levels of inflation, interest rate forecasts, geopolitical events, and currency exchange rate movements. The recent years have shown the ability of the gold market to provide an extremely strong bullish momentum, as well as intraday momentum.
The relevance of the market of gold in the year 2026 specifically stems from the fact that the environment surrounding the economy of the world is facing challenges associated with growth, debt, and the policies of monetary easing. Despite the falling inflation rate in the economy, the real interest rates are also expected to be pressured downward, which has traditionally translated to favorable market conditions for the price of gold. The factor of geopolitics uncertainty and tensions between specific countries also adds to the significance of the market of gold.
For traders, the market offers favorable conditions because of its high volatility regime with adequate liquidity.
2. Silver (XAG/USD): Volatility with a Dual Personality
Silver often overshadows gold, but its performance in 2025 significantly outperformed its main competitor. The precious metal briefly reached $85, making it one of the best-performing assets in 2025. While silver, like gold, is sensitive to monetary policy and market sentiment, it also enjoys strong industrial demand related to energy transition technologies, electronics, and manufacturing.
This dual nature makes silver one of the most volatile and fastest-growing precious metals and trading instruments overall. In 2026, as global growth expectations fluctuate and industrial cycles remain uneven, silver will experience sharp directional movements and prolonged periods of volatility, but will fundamentally maintain a growth trend similar to gold.
For traders seeking high volatility, silver offers even greater percentage swings than gold, making it a powerful tool for well-managed strategies, both scalping and holding positions for multiple days.
3. Oil (WTI & Brent): Trading Supply, Politics, and Policy
Oil is still among the market-sensitive commodities. The change in OPEC+ production levels, global events affecting major oil-producing nations, as well as changes in global demand can cause prices to surge within a matter of hours.
Turning the focus on the outlook for the year 2026, it seems likely that the oil market will face well-supplied conditions. However, this will not mean extremely small degrees of volatility. Events surrounding Venezuela represent yet another key source of uncertainty. Changes within US policies regarding Venezuela, the export of oil, and the political leadership of the country could represent important influences on the levels of supply, especially when the focus shifts towards the heavier grades. Yet, the possibility of a substantial recovery looks very unlikely.
Even in highly saturated markets, surprise disruptions, production policy changes, or geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, can cause sharp price moves. Conversely, macroeconomic growth slowdowns or money market cycles may exert pressures on demands, thereby leading to highly two-sided markets.
4. US Stock Indices (Dow 30, S&P 500, Nasdaq): Liquidity and Trend Potential
US indices continue to be key trading assets in global trading activity. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq reflect US economic performance, as well as global risk appetite, capital flows, and technological leadership, primarily driven by the AI boom.
In 2026, stock markets are likely to face divergent forces. On the one hand, monetary easing is supporting valuations, while slowing economic growth, declining interest in AI, and political uncertainty are increasing volatility and the risk of a deeper sell-off. This combination often leads to strong moves, deep corrections, and renewed all-time highs.
Indices offer unrivaled liquidity, clear technical behavior, and the ability to express macroeconomic views without the risk associated with individual stocks, making them important tools for both short-term and position traders.
5. EUR/USD: The World’s Most Traded Currency Pair
EUR/USD remains the benchmark for forex trading. Its deep liquidity, tight spreads, and technical clarity make it a favorite among professional traders. More importantly, the euro reflects the balance between the world’s two most influential central banks: the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.
As interest rate differentials narrow and fiscal dynamics shift on both sides of the Atlantic, there’s every reason to believe EUR/USD will experience prolonged and powerful trending phases, punctuated by strong reactions to economic data and central bank signals.
In 2026, shifts in growth expectations, inflation trajectories, and political developments in both regions will keep this pair highly active, making EUR/USD a preferred option for traders who value stability, transparency, and adaptability across all trading styles.
Perfect Assets to Trade in 2026
These five markets unite their relevance on a global stage, and the responsiveness of these markets to macroeconomic and geopolitical events. Markets traded in gold, silver, oil, US indices, and the currency pair EUR/USD include the combination of markets most traders seek: deep liquidity, clear structure, and meaningful volatility.
On the JustMarkets trading platform, these instruments excel because of the optimal trading conditions offered, ensuring effective active trading. Tight spreads, fast execution of orders, as well as high leverage of up to 3000, enable traders to react swiftly to key market drivers, such as central bank statements or inflation figures, as well as geopolitical events.
