What are energies?
Energy markets cover the fuels that power the world: crude oil (in its WTI and Brent benchmarks) and natural gas above all. Their prices react to production decisions, geopolitical events, seasonal demand and inventory data, which makes them some of the most headline-driven markets around.
That sensitivity to real-world events gives energies a character of their own. An OPEC decision or a cold snap can move oil or gas sharply, creating clear opportunities — and clear risk for anyone caught on the wrong side with leverage.
How to trade energies
Traders access energies through CFDs on the spot price or on the underlying futures, going long or short with leverage and no need to handle physical barrels or manage futures expiry directly.
Energies rank among the more volatile markets, so leverage amplifies outcomes fast. Costs follow the usual pattern — spread plus overnight financing — and futures-based energy CFDs periodically roll to a new contract, which is worth understanding before holding positions across a roll.
Popular energies instruments
Some of the most widely traded instruments in this market:
Best brokers for energies trading
Every broker below is regulated and reviewed against the same six-pillar rubric. Scores are on a 0–10 scale — open a review to see the full breakdown and each figure’s source.
Energies trading — frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between WTI and Brent?
They are two crude-oil benchmarks — WTI is the US reference, Brent the international one. They track closely but can diverge on regional supply and demand.
Why are energy prices so volatile?
Oil and gas react strongly to supply decisions (like OPEC output), geopolitics and seasonal demand, so prices can move sharply on news. With leverage, that volatility demands careful risk control.
Do I take delivery of oil or gas?
No. Energy CFDs are cash-settled on price only — there is no physical delivery of barrels or gas.
Risk warning: Trading energies through leveraged products such as CFDs carries a high risk of rapid loss. The majority of retail investor accounts lose money. Consider whether you understand how these products work and whether you can afford the risk. Nothing here is investment advice.