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CME Group Reports Record Trading Volumes

In a remarkable achievement, CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, announced that its average daily volume (ADV) reached an all-time monthly high of 41.1 million contracts in March 2026, marking a substantial 33% increase compared to the same month last year. Furthermore, the quarter also set a new record with an average of 36.2 million contracts traded daily, representing a 22% year-over-year growth in trading activity.

CME Group's Chairman and CEO, Terry Duffy, emphasized the importance of strong market performance in today’s unpredictable economic climate, stating, "Credible markets are more critical than ever as investors at every level seek to manage risk. The historic volumes recorded testify to how our clients leverage the deep liquidity and price transparency we offer across various asset classes."

Breakdown of March 2026 Trading Highlights

Interest Rates

Significant achievements in the interest rate sector were notable:

• - ADV surged by 42%, reaching 20.8 million contracts.
• - Record SOFR futures and options ADV stood at 9.4 million contracts.
• - U.S. Treasury options ADV hit an all-time high at 2.4 million contracts.

This sector also saw extraordinary growth in individual products:

• - 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note futures ADV improved by 21% to 2.9 million contracts.
• - Additionally, the 2-Year note futures ADV skyrocketed by 69% reaching 1.5 million contracts.

Energy Sector

The energy market mirrored this dynamic performance with an impressive 91% increase to a record daily volume of 5.1 million contracts. Key highlights include:

• - Record WTI Crude Oil futures trading at 2 million contracts.
• - Micro WTI Crude Oil futures also set records at 655,000 contracts.

Metals

The metals market witnessed an 86% rise in ADV, achieving 1.4 million contracts. Micro Gold and Micro Silver futures experienced staggering growth, with Micro Gold futures up 291% to 535,000 contracts.

Equity Index

The equity index domain showed solid growth, achieving an ADV of 10.1 million contracts, a 5% increase compared to previous records,

• - Specifically noteworthy was the E-mini S&P 500 futures, which reached 2.2 million contracts traded.

Agricultural Products

Here too, CME Group saw a 19% growth in the agricultural segment with a total ADV of 2.2 million contracts. Trading in Soybean futures particularly stood out with a 33% increase.

Foreign Exchange and Cryptocurrencies

The foreign exchange sector rose 18%, hitting 1.6 million contracts. Notably, Australian Dollar futures reached 207,000 contracts while Ethereum futures climbed 53% to 19,000 contracts.

Q1 2026 Performance Highlights

The broader picture reveals continued success in Q1 2026:

• - Overall average daily volume across asset classes set a remarkable precedent with substantial increases in nearly every category.
• - Interest Rates enjoyed a 24% growth to reach an ADV of 18.7 million contracts.
• - Metals trading saw the largest leap at 127%, indicating a vigorous interest in precious metals as part of investment strategies in the current economic context.

CME Group has firmly established itself as a pivotal player in the global derivatives landscape, offering unmatched trading opportunities and services that cater to a diverse clientele. The ability to manage risk effectively while seizing fresh market opportunities remains central to its mission. Everyone from institutional investors to retail traders can look to CME Group as their go-to platform for futures and options trading, underscoring its commitment to excellence within the financial sector.