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Global trading platform Capital.com reported trading volumes of $1.5 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 42.5% increase from $1.06 trillion in the second half of 2024. The surge was driven by strong demand across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where volumes reached $804.1 billion, up 53.3% compared with H2 2024.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as the standout contributor, accounting for 71.7% of all MENA trading volumes and reinforcing its position as a rapidly growing hub for online trading. The region's performance reflects accelerating appetite for diversified, digital-first trading experiences.
MENA volumes of $804.1 billion represented 53.3% of Capital.com's global trading activity in H1 2025, compared with $528.6 billion in the previous six-month period. Despite having fewer traders (35,000 in MENA versus 61,400 in Europe), MENA clients executed 35,523,172 trades during the period, indicating higher trading frequency and deeper engagement.
Tarik Chebib, CEO of Capital.com MENA
Tarik Chebib, CEO of Capital.com MENA, said:
Our growth trajectory in the first half of 2025 demonstrates the strength of our platform and our ability to serve traders across diverse markets. The MENA region continues to show remarkable momentum, with traders demonstrating both confidence and sophistication in their approach. At the same time, Europe remains a solid contributor to our global performance, reinforcing our position as a truly international platform.
Europe contributed $224 billion in H1 2025, representing 14.9% of total global volumes compared with $172.5 billion in H2 2024. Germany and Italy were key markets within the region, contributing $86.0 billion and $25.7 billion respectively.
Trading activity concentrated in indices, with $444.34 billion traded across index markets in MENA. The Nasdaq-100 became one of the most actively traded benchmarks globally after rebounding 18% in Q2 2025 following a steep correction earlier in the year.
Trading patterns in H1 2025 reflected broader market conditions, with high volatility in Q1 driven by tariff fears and geopolitical tensions causing equity downturns, followed by a powerful rebound in Q2 as trade tensions eased and global sentiment improved.
Tarik Chebib added:
Strong performance from tech and AI-driven companies such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Alphabet cemented the Nasdaq-100 as one of the most actively traded benchmarks globally. For traders, this combination of volatility, recovery momentum, and sector leadership made index markets—especially the Nasdaq-100—highly attractive. This helps explain the significant tilt toward index trading in MENA and across Capital.com's global platform in H1 2025 compared with H2 2024.
Capital.com is a global trading platform offering accessible, education-led trading experiences across diverse markets and asset classes.
