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CME Group Achieves Record High Average Daily Volume in 2026

CME Group has made headlines in the financial world by announcing an exceptional international average daily volume (ADV) of 11.4 million contracts for the first quarter of 2026. This impressive figure marks a 30% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Such robust performance not only reflects the trust global clients have in CME Group, but also underscores its pivotal role in helping market participants manage risks in real-time.

Strong Growth Across Asset Classes

The surge in volume is particularly notable across various asset classes, including interest rates, metals, energy, agricultural products, equity indexes, and foreign exchange (FX). For the first time, every mentioned category reached all-time high ADV figures. In the realm of interest rates alone, there were 5.7 million contracts traded, showcasing a year-over-year growth of 30%.

This record-setting performance illustrates the efficiency and reliability of CME Group's products in an increasingly uncertain market environment. Julie Winkler, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer of CME Group, stated, "This surge in trading activity demonstrates how our global client base is turning to CME Group to manage risk in real time, through our benchmark products and on a regulated marketplace."

Regional Highlights

The performance of the ADV also varied significantly by region, with the EMEA region attaining a record 8.4 million contracts, an impressive 29% growth from Q1 2025. EMEA reported record trading volumes in every asset category, reflecting a heightened engagement from markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

In Asia Pacific (APAC), the ADV increased to a remarkable 2.6 million contracts, also representing a significant 33% year-on-year growth. Notably, metals showcased an astonishing growth of 204%, alongside energy which jumped by 101%, indicating the rising demand for these commodities amidst global economic fluctuations.

Meanwhile, Latin America (LatAm) recorded a rise to 224,000 contracts, marking a 21% increase, while Canada also celebrated a record with 219,000 contracts traded—up 12% compared to the previous year. This swift acceleration across the board highlights the global reach and influence of CME Group's marketplace.

A Comprehensive Marketplace

CME Group prides itself not just on its volume figures but on the diversified array of products it offers. As the leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group provides clients with futures, options, cash, and over-the-counter markets that enable effective risk management strategies. Its platform empowers market participants worldwide to analyze data effectively and tailor their investment approaches.

CME Group operates a broad range of exchanges that deliver global benchmark products across major asset classes, including interest rates, equities, FX, cryptocurrencies, energy, and agricultural products. Furthermore, it also runs CME Clearing, one of the foremost central counterparty clearing services worldwide, solidifying its position in the financial services sector.

In conclusion, the announcement of a record ADV in the first quarter of 2026 reflects CME Group's unwavering commitment to providing a trusted and robust marketplace for risk management. As financial volatility remains a constant concern worldwide, CME Group stands ready to support its clientele in navigating these challenges and seizing opportunities across diverse asset classes.