Brent rose to 68.87 USD/Bbl on July 23, 2025, up 0.41% from the previous day. Over the past month, Brent's price has risen 2.57%, but it is still 15.72% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Brent crude oil - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Crude Oil rose to 65.49 USD/Bbl on July 23, 2025, up 0.27% from the previous day. Over the past month, Crude Oil's price has risen 1.73%, but it is still 15.60% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Crude Oil - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

High price volatility among various commodities and the recent lowering of interest rates has fueled strong growth among commodity contracts intermediation brokers. While the national economy has continued to recover following a period of high inflationary pressures, recent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and continued price volatility of oil and agricultural products strengthened commodity contracts’ popularity. Short-term contracts and future continue to facilitate interest among brokers, with revenue growing at a CAGR of 4.6% to an estimated $21.8 billion through the end of 2024, including an estimated 2.3% boost in 2024 alone. Profit continues to remain steady, as higher price volatility and lower interest rates continue to facilitate favorable market conditions for commodity traders. Banks, once outsized players in the industry, have significantly downsized or completely ended their commodity trading activities. This has put significant downward pressure on revenue as these institutions have been forced to limit proprietary trading due to the Volcker rule, enacted prior to the current period. The decreased presence of banks in the industry has allowed smaller players to enter the industry, exacerbating fragmentation among various service groups. The inflationary spike played a key role in buoying growth, with recent geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Europe strengthening commodity price volatility. Moving forward, commodity contract intermediaries face a less certain landscape, as anticipated declines in global oil prices and the agricultural price index will dampen the popularity of long-term commodity trades. Increased demand for metal and energy products and the low inventories of metal commodities are expected to sustain a significant revenue stream for brokers. However, further uncertainty surrounding rising tensions in the Middle East will impact the types of trades made by commodity traders. Greater automation and adoption of new technologies such as blockchain will offer a workflow enhancement in the longer term. Nonetheless, an expected decline in global oil prices is poised to cause revenue to fall at a CAGR of 1.0% to an estimated $20.8 billion through the end of 2029.

OTC Commodity Trading Platform Market Outlook

As of 2023, the global market size for OTC commodity trading platforms is valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion and is expected to reach around USD 6.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% during the forecast period. The rapid digitalization of trading activities and the increasing complexity of commodity markets serve as significant drivers of this robust market expansion.

One of the primary growth factors for the OTC commodity trading platform market is the increasing reliance on digital technologies to streamline and optimize trading operations. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology, trading platforms are now equipped with more sophisticated tools for risk management, data analytics, and transaction security. These innovations are particularly vital in the OTC (Over-The-Counter) markets, where trades are not standardized and require bespoke solutions for each transaction.

Another driving force is the rising demand for commodities as alternative investment assets. As financial markets become more volatile, investors are diversifying their portfolios to include commodities like gold, crude oil, and agricultural products. This diversification trend has led to a surge in the number of individual traders and financial institutions utilizing OTC trading platforms to facilitate their trades. Consequently, the need for platforms that offer reliable, real-time data and efficient trade execution has never been higher.

Regulatory changes and the increasing globalization of commodity markets also contribute to market growth. Stricter regulatory frameworks require more transparent and compliant trading practices, which these advanced platforms are well-equipped to offer. Additionally, as commodity markets become more interconnected globally, there is a heightened need for platforms that can handle multi-currency transactions, cross-border trades, and compliance with different regional regulations.

Regionally, North America currently holds a dominant market share due to its advanced financial infrastructure and high adoption rate of digital trading solutions. However, the Asia Pacific region is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate over the forecast period. The rapid industrialization and growing awareness of digital trading solutions in countries like China and India are key contributors to this regional surge.

Component Analysis

In the OTC commodity trading platform market, components are primarily classified into software and services. The software segment dominates the market due to the integral role that advanced software solutions play in facilitating complex trading operations. Modern software platforms offer a range of functionalities, from real-time market data analysis to automated trading and risk management. These capabilities are essential for traders looking to optimize their strategies and maximize returns in volatile markets.

The services segment, while smaller in comparison, is equally critical. It encompasses a broad range of offerings, including consulting, implementation, training, and managed services. As trading platforms become more complex and integrated with other financial systems, the need for expert services to ensure seamless operation and compliance with regulatory standards becomes increasingly important. Traders and financial institutions often rely on these services to gain a competitive edge and mitigate operational risks.

Within the software segment, there is a growing trend towards the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms. These technologies enable platforms to provide predictive analytics, enhance decision-making capabilities, and offer personalized trading strategies. The incorporation of blockchain technology for transaction security and transparency is another noteworthy trend, aimed at reducing fraud and enhancing trust in OTC markets.

The services segment is witnessing an upsurge in demand for managed services, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may lack the in-house expertise to manage complex trading operations. Managed services offer a cost-effective solution by outsourcing the management of the trading platform to specialized providers. This trend is expected to continue as more SMEs enter the OTC commodity trading space.

Overall, the component analysis underscores the critical importance of both software and services in the OTC commod

Propane rose to 0.72 USD/Gal on July 23, 2025, up 0.84% from the previous day. Over the past month, Propane's price has fallen 6.94%, and is down 9.56% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Propane - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.