Crypto Volumes on CME Reach All-Time High in January, Rising 180%

CME Breaks Crypto Trading Records in January, Fueled by Micro Futures Growth

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) saw an impressive spike in its crypto futures trading activity in January, recording an average daily volume (ADV) of 198,000 contracts, translating to a notional value of $13.6 billion. This marks a striking 180% increase in trading volume compared to the previous year.

The growth was largely driven by the surge in demand for micro bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) futures. Micro BTC futures soared by 255%, while micro ETH futures saw a 223% rise. These smaller contracts, representing just 0.1 BTC or 0.1 ETH, allow traders to engage in more precise trading and better manage risk, catering to both seasoned traders and newcomers looking for more affordable exposure to the cryptocurrency markets.

In addition to its micro futures offerings, the CME also provides options on both bitcoin and ether futures, which enable traders to employ more complex strategies to manage risk. These options grant the holder the right—though not the obligation—to buy or sell futures at a predetermined price before a specific date.

Overall, CME’s crypto futures market recorded 25.7 million contracts traded in January, underscoring the growing interest in crypto derivatives. The exchange also announced plans to introduce options on Bitcoin Friday Futures (BFF) by February 24, subject to regulatory approval, adding yet another product for crypto market participants to engage with.