According to CME data on July 20, energy and precious metals futures showed divergent trends. Brent crude oil trading volume increased by 81,425 contracts to 206,287 contracts, with open interest rising 1,561 contracts to 247,785 contracts. Natural gas volume climbed 29,417 contracts to 404,680 contracts, and open interest gained 4,788 contracts to 1,675,246 contracts.
In contrast, precious metals cooled. Gold trading volume fell 7,300 contracts to 127,463 contracts, and open interest declined 815 contracts to 380,692 contracts. Copper volume dropped 8,338 contracts to 52,085 contracts, with open interest down 1,375 contracts to 262,359 contracts.