Oil Options Are Democratizing | Presented by CME Group

Market Trends & Growth - Oil option trading volumes at CME Group are up 35% in 2025, driven by an uncertain oil outlook [1] - WTI Oil Options reached a daily record of 600,000 contracts in April 2025, indicating continued growth [5] Accessibility & Democratization - Oil options are democratizing, attracting energy giants, retail traders, and multistrategy commodity funds [1] - Oil options have moved on screen, opening up market access to traders of all types [3] - Retail brokerage platforms including Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers, and Tasty Trade have broadened their support for oil options [3] Tools & Technology - Proliferation of options analytics and education empowers new firms and deepens engagement for existing users [2] - Platforms like Quickstrike allow users to study oil Greeks, visualize volatility surfaces, and construct strategies [2] - Innovative tools like RFQS help move more advanced option strategies online [3] Cost & Flexibility - Micro WTI crude oil option at one-tenth the notional size offers a more accessible entry point for smaller accounts [4] - WTI weekly options with expirations on each day of the trading week are fast growing as traders hedge weekend risk and market moving events [4]