Market Volatility Creates Best Stocks to Invest In: CME and Interactive Brokers Lead

When markets face uncertainty and geopolitical tensions intensify, most investors focus on which assets will gain value. But savvy investors know the real winners are the financial infrastructure operators who capture revenue with every single transaction executed. As traders hedge positions and seek speculative opportunities during periods of economic unpredictability, the platforms facilitating these activities generate substantial profits. This dynamic has created compelling opportunities among best stocks to invest in for February and beyond.

Why Uncertainty Drives Trading Volumes and Profits for Market Operators

Market turbulence presents a paradox: while individual traders may struggle to generate returns, the financial plumbing that powers global markets thrives. When investors and traders navigate economic confusion, geopolitical concerns, and potential market excesses, trading activity inevitably accelerates. Each transaction—whether a hedge or a speculative bet—generates revenue for the exchanges and brokerages that facilitate the trade.

The connection between macroeconomic volatility and transaction volumes has become increasingly clear. As uncertainty permeates financial markets and investors seek to adjust their portfolios, the flow of orders intensifies. For well-positioned financial operators, this surge in activity translates directly into revenue growth and profit expansion.

This environment has made firms that profit from market uncertainty particularly attractive investment candidates. Two companies exemplify this opportunity and represent best stocks to invest in for investors navigating the current landscape.

CME Group: The Derivatives Giant Capitalizing on Market Disruption

CME Group (NASDAQ: CME) operates four major U.S. derivatives exchanges—the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), and the Commodity Exchange (COMEX). The company’s business model centers on executing contracts, clearing trades, and settling positions across these venues.

The company’s recent performance demonstrates how market volatility benefits its operations. CME just completed its fifth consecutive year of record average daily volume (ADV), signaling sustained growth in derivatives trading activity. The metals trading segment particularly impressed in the fourth quarter, posting a 114% year-over-year increase in ADV. This momentum reflects investor demand for price hedging and speculative positions in commodities—a natural response to economic uncertainty.

Beyond institutional traders, CME has dramatically expanded its retail presence. The company reached a significant milestone in 2025, setting a record for retail account openings. Its retail customer base expanded by 23% and surpassed 600,000 accounts. Notably, these retail participants typically don’t trade directly on CME’s exchanges; instead, they access CME’s infrastructure through intermediary platforms like Robinhood. This arrangement extends CME’s reach while diversifying its revenue streams.

From a valuation perspective, CME Group’s forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 25.7, slightly elevated compared to its recent quarterly averages. This premium reflects investor expectations for continued earnings growth. For income-oriented investors, CME offers dividend appeal. The company maintains a payout policy targeting 50% to 60% of prior-year cash earnings, currently yielding approximately 1.7% based on the share price.

CME’s profile makes it suitable for investors comfortable with established financial services companies offering both growth potential and income generation. Among best stocks to invest in for conservative-to-moderate risk portfolios, CME represents a compelling choice given its market dominance and multiple expansion drivers.

Interactive Brokers: Expanding Global Reach for Growth-Focused Investors

Interactive Brokers Group (NASDAQ: IBKR) operates a fundamentally different business model than CME. The company functions as a global brokerage platform, enabling clients to execute trades across more than 170 exchanges and execution venues spanning 40 countries and 29 currencies. This diversity creates resilience and multiple growth vectors.

Recently, Interactive Brokers has aggressively expanded its product offerings and geographic reach. During a February presentation at the BofA Securities 2026 Financial Services Conference, the company unveiled several platform enhancements. For eligible clients, Interactive Brokers now offers access to Brazilian equities, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and the Dubai Financial Market. The platform also introduced stablecoin-based account funding, catering to cryptocurrency-oriented investors.

This expansion strategy is paying dividends. From the fourth quarter of 2020 through the fourth quarter of 2025, Interactive Brokers delivered adjusted net revenue growth averaging 23% annually. This sustained performance reflects both the company’s ability to capture higher trading volumes during volatile periods and its success in attracting diverse client segments globally.

Interactive Brokers appeals to a distinct investor demographic compared to CME. With a forward P/E ratio of 33.1, the market prices the company as a higher-growth business, aligning it more closely with technology stock valuations than traditional brokerages. This premium valuation reflects growth expectations and market confidence in management’s strategic execution.

The company’s beta of 1.2 signals that shareholders should anticipate volatility exceeding the broader market. While Interactive Brokers does pay a dividend, the quarterly payout of $0.08 per share translates to approximately 0.4% yield at current prices. For this reason, the stock appeals primarily to capital appreciation-focused investors rather than income seekers.

Comparing Risk Profiles and Investment Alignment

Selecting between these two best stocks to invest in depends fundamentally on your investment objectives and risk tolerance. CME Group offers the profile of a mature financial services operator—stable cash flows, growing retail participation, and dividend income complementing potential stock price appreciation. The forward P/E of 25.7 suggests moderate growth expectations and a reasonable entry valuation.

Interactive Brokers, conversely, positions itself as the growth vehicle within financial infrastructure. Its higher valuation multiple (33.1 forward P/E), greater volatility (beta 1.2), and emphasis on platform expansion signal a company betting on accelerating global trading volumes and market share gains.

Both companies benefit from the current market environment characterized by uncertainty and volatility. CME captures value through derivatives trading and hedging activity on its exchanges. Interactive Brokers profits as trading volumes intensify across its global execution venues.

The investment case for both becomes even more compelling when considering the structural tailwinds facing financial infrastructure operators. As geopolitical tensions persist, economic data remains mixed, and investors reassess their portfolios, trading activity should remain elevated. This environment supports sustained revenue and profit growth for best stocks to invest in during periods of elevated market uncertainty.

The choice between them ultimately reflects your investment style—seeking stability and income, or prioritizing growth and accepting higher volatility.