CME Group announced a new partnership with Nasdaq to launch the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index futures on June 8, pending regulatory approval. It is CME's first market-cap weighted futures contract, offered in both micro and standard large sizes. Investors can gain broad exposure to top digital assets through a single cash-settled contract.
Index Composition: Seven Major Cryptocurrencies
As of May 14, the index includes Bitcoin, Ether, Solana (SOL), XRP, Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM). Settlement is based on the Nasdaq CME Crypto Settlement Price Index.
Surge in Demand: CME Crypto Futures ADV Up 43%
Giovanni Vicioso, CME's global head of crypto products, said year-to-date average daily volume (ADV) of CME crypto futures has risen 43%. “This new product provides clients with a regulated, cost-effective way to hedge or get broad crypto exposure,” he said. Sean Wasserman, head of index product management at Nasdaq, noted that deeper investor participation calls for benchmarks with governance and transparency matching traditional assets. The move is a natural extension for the crypto market's long-term growth, he added.
CME previously launched AVAX and SUI futures and plans 24/7 trading. The index futures further lower barriers for institutions and reduce single-coin risk.