-- (Updates with comments from the White House, ICE and CME in paragraphs five to nine.)
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is investigating a series of oil futures trades executed shortly before major US policy developments tied to President Donald Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, news outlets reported on Wednesday.
The inquiry is reportedly examining trading activity in crude oil futures on exchanges operated by CME Group (CME) and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), focusing on at least two instances on Mar. 23 and Apr. 7.
Investigators have requested exchange records, including so-called "Tag 50" identifiers that can reveal the entities behind the trades, the reports said.
The scrutiny follows concerns raised by market participants and at least two Democratic senators that the unusually well-timed trades may have generated significant profits and could indicate the use of non-public information.
Responding to' query, Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson, said all federal employees are subject to government ethics guidelines prohibiting the use of non-public information for financial benefit.
"However, any implication that administration officials are engaged in such activity without evidence is baseless and irresponsible reporting. The CFTC will always uphold its duty to monitor fraud, manipulation, and illicit activity daily," Ingle added.
ICE declined to comment in response to' request.
CME Group's spokesperson Anita Liskey told, "Nothing is more important than market integrity. At CME Group, we vigorously surveil our markets and work closely with the CFTC to oversee trading activity."
"Importantly, any review of market behavior must include all venues, including prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi that list related products with little to no visibility," she said in an emailed response.
The CFTC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
On Mar. 23, oil and stock futures worth billions of dollars were traded 15 minutes before Trump said previously threatened strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure would be delayed.
Last week, investors placed roughly $950 million in bullish oil positions hours before the US and Iran announced a ceasefire, the reports said.
The White House is reported to have previously cautioned staff against using sensitive government information for personal trading in futures markets during the ongoing Iran conflict.
Last month, the CFTC's enforcement director said the agency was monitoring potential market misconduct and manipulation in energy markets and was aware of recent speculation about insider trading in CFTC-regulated products.
Price: $163.49, Change: $-1.58, Percent Change: -0.96%