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CME Group's Remarkable January Performance

In a feat few can rival, CME Group, the world's primary derivatives marketplace, has set a new record for average daily volume (ADV) in January, reaching an astonishing 29.6 million contracts. This accomplishment reflects a robust 15% increase compared to the previous year's performance, cementing CME's status as a leader in the trading industry.

Historical Context

Prior to this record-setting month, the highest January ADV was achieved in 2025, when CME Group reported 25.7 million contracts. The recent surge in trading activity indicates a growing interest among market participants, reinforcing the significant role CME Group plays within the financial ecosystem.

Breakdown of January 2026 ADV Across Various Asset Classes

The impressive ADV of 29.6 million contracts encompasses several asset classes:

• - Interest Rate Contracts: A staggering 13.9 million contracts
• - Equity Index Contracts: 7.3 million contracts
• - Energy Contracts: 3.6 million contracts
• - Metals Contracts: 2.2 million contracts
• - Agricultural Contracts: 1.6 million contracts
• - Foreign Exchange Contracts: 991,000 contracts
• - Cryptocurrency Contracts: 408,000 contracts (totaling $10.8 billion notional)

This diverse volume distribution showcases CME Group's ability to cater to a wide array of financial instruments, thus appealing to numerous market participants.

Notable Increases

Several highlights show significant growth in different sectors:

• - Interest Rate Contracts: ADV rose by 18%, with U.S. Treasury futures seeing a 15% increase to 7.7 million contracts. SOFR futures expanded by 21%, totaling 5.6 million contracts, while the 30-Day Fed Funds futures climbed 59%, hitting 504,000 contracts.
• - Metals Trading: A remarkable 218% increase led the metals ADV to new heights, highlighted by record-breaking performances in Micro Silver and Micro Copper futures, reaching 438,000 and 48,000 contracts respectively. Similarly, the Micro Gold futures surged by 472% to 693,000 contracts.
• - Equity Index Contracts: This sector increased by 4%, with Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100 futures showing a 10% rise, accounting for 1.8 million contracts.
• - Energy Contracts: Besides the general 11% increase, Henry Hub Natural Gas futures set records for both contracts and options, reaching 851,000 and 403,000 contracts respectively.
• - Foreign Exchange: Japanese Yen futures recorded substantial growth, up by 32%, totaling 204,000 contracts.
• - Cryptocurrency: This sector sky-rocketed with a 106% increase, showcasing a burgeoning interest among traders.

International Expansion

CME Group's international reach also contributed to its stellar performance, with ADV increasing by 19% and recording 9.2 million contracts traded. The EMEA region experienced an 18% increase while APAC saw a remarkable 25% growth, further illustrating the global appetite for CME's market offerings.

Conclusion

CME Group's January 2026 volume growth illustrates a resilient market environment in derivatives trading. With dramatically increasing volumes across various asset classes, CME Group is solidifying its role as an essential trading platform for market participants around the world. This remarkable achievement is not just a number; it reflects the marketplace's evolving dynamics and the responsive nature of traders eager to optimize their investments. As CME continues to innovate and expand its offerings, its impact on the financial landscape remains profound and far-reaching.

For a complete list of market statistics, visit CME Group's monthly volume.