CME Group plans to open trading nearly 24/7 for futures and options on cryptocurrencies on CME Globex starting May 29, after completing the regulatory review process.
This move is aimed at meeting the demand for risk management in the digital asset market as trading volume and open positions of crypto derivatives products on CME continue to rise, amid macroeconomic volatility impacting Bitcoin, oil, and metals.
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CME is transitioning cryptocurrency futures and options to a nearly continuous trading schedule, with only a minimum 2-hour maintenance break on weekends.
CME reported an average daily volume of 407,200 contracts year-to-date, up 46% year-over-year; average daily open interest stands at 335,400 contracts, up 7%.
Bitcoin fell about 1.6% in 24 hours, with the global crypto market cap at $2.38 trillion; Deribit data shows a notable drop in demand for hedging in $40,000 put options.
CME is launching nearly 24/7 crypto trading starting May 29.
CME will transition cryptocurrency futures and options to a nearly continuous trading mode on CME Globex, starting May 29, with a minimum 2-hour maintenance break over the weekend, pending regulatory review approval.
According to CME's announcement, listed contracts will move to a 'near 24/7' schedule on CME Globex. The main difference is that the market will still have a technical stop over the weekend, but it will be reduced to a minimum of 2 hours for maintenance.
In the new structure, orders placed from Friday evening to Sunday evening will carry the 'trading day' of the next business day. Clearing, settlement, and regulatory reporting for these transactions will also be processed on the next business day.
Risk management demand drives regulated cryptocurrency derivative products.
CME stated that customer demand for risk management tools in the digital asset market is high, supporting the goal of providing 'always-on' access to managed and transparent crypto products.
Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products at CME Group, stated that demand for hedging is rising sharply, contributing to a nominal volume of $3 trillion in CME's cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025.
He also emphasized that not all markets are suitable for 24/7 operations, but providing continuous access to 'managed and transparent' cryptocurrency products helps clients manage exposure and trade confidently at any time.
"Customer demand for risk management in the digital asset market is at an all-time high, driving a record nominal volume of $3 trillion in our cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025."
– Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products, CME Group (2025)
CME's crypto derivatives activity metrics have surged year-over-year.
CME reported that trading volume and open interest have both increased compared to the same period last year, with futures accounting for the majority of activity, indicating demand for listed instruments to manage Bitcoin price volatility and related contracts.
According to CME data released, year-to-date average daily trading volume has reached 407,200 contracts, up 46% year-over-year. Average daily open interest is at 335,400 contracts, up 7% compared to the same period.
Futures alone accounted for 403,900 contracts in average daily volume, up 47% year-over-year. CME also mentioned that the total nominal volume in cryptocurrency futures and options reached $3 trillion in 2025.
CME adds that activity in cryptocurrency futures and options continues to set records in 2026, as many traders use listed derivatives to manage Bitcoin's volatility and related contracts.
The macro market fluctuates in sync with Bitcoin, oil, and metals.
At the same time, U.S. stocks fell, oil prices rose due to geopolitical tensions, while Bitcoin and the crypto market capitalization declined; option data also reflected a decrease in demand for hedging against downside risk ahead of the February expiration.
In the mentioned session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 185 points, or 0.4%. The S&P 500 decreased by 0.3% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 0.4%, as traders assessed Walmart's earnings report and rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran under President Donald Trump.
Walmart shares rose 2% after fourth-quarter results exceeded expectations, despite a lower full-year profit outlook. Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, noted that the 'Mag-7' group has become less expensive than before but remains not cheap; the expected P/S ratio decreased to 7.10 from a peak of 8.33 on November 3, 2025.
Crude oil prices rose as the U.S.–Iran standoff over Tehran's nuclear program continues. West Texas Intermediate futures increased by more than 1% and traded above $66/barrel.
Bitcoin is trading just above $67,000, down about 1.6% in 24 hours. The total global cryptocurrency market capitalization decreased by 1.6% to $2.38 trillion. Bitcoin is still nearly 50% below its peak of over $126,000 in October 2025.
Deribit option data indicates that the $40,000 Bitcoin put option is currently the second-largest strike by open interest ahead of the February expiration next week, indicating significant demand for hedging against downside risk.
In the metals group, spot gold rose 0.2% to $4,989.09/ounce at 19:27 (Vietnam time), while U.S. gold futures for April traded at $5,008.60. Spot silver increased by 0.9% to $77.87/ounce after rising more than 5% in the previous session; platinum fell 0.6% to $2,059.55 and palladium decreased by 1.7% to $1,686.47.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will CME begin 24/7 crypto trading?
CME plans to begin nearly 24/7 trading for futures and cryptocurrency options starting May 29, pending regulatory review.
"Near 24/7" on CME Globex means what?
Cryptocurrency contracts will trade nearly continuously on CME Globex with only a minimum 2-hour maintenance break over the weekend.
How will orders placed over the weekend be recorded on the trading day?
Under the new structure, orders placed from Friday evening to Sunday evening will carry the 'trading day' of the next business day; clearing, settlement, and reports for regulatory purposes will also be processed on the next business day.
What level of activity is CME recording in cryptocurrency derivatives?
CME stated that the average daily volume year-to-date is 407,200 contracts (up 46% year-over-year) and average daily open interest is 335,400 contracts (up 7%).
What does Deribit data say about Bitcoin's downside hedging demand?
Deribit data shows that the $40,000 Bitcoin put option is the second-largest strike by open interest ahead of the February expiration next week, reflecting significant interest in downside risk hedging.