CME Group, a leading global derivatives marketplace, has reported record trading activity across its markets in 2025. The average daily volume (ADV) reached 28.1 million contracts, representing a 6% year-on-year increase. This surge in trading activity was driven by broad-based gains across interest rates, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, highlighting the central role of CME in global risk management.
The fourth quarter saw a significant rise in ADV, reaching a record 27.4 million contracts, while December ADV hit 23.5 million, making it the strongest December on record. According to CME, the increased demand for hedging tools amid changing interest rate expectations, volatility in commodity prices, and growing adoption of crypto derivatives contributed to the record numbers.
Record-Breaking Market Statistics
CME Group’s 2025 market statistics reveal the highest annual ADV ever, with 28.1 million contracts. The breakdown of ADV by asset class is as follows: interest rate (14.2 million), stock index (7.4 million), energy (2.7 million), agriculture (1.9 million), metals (988K), FX (980,000), and crypto (278K). These numbers demonstrate the exchange’s ability to generate volume across all asset classes during times of economic uncertainty.
Interest Rates and Equities Lead Growth
Interest rate products remained the backbone of CME activity, with full-year interest rate ADV rising 4% to a record 14.2 million contracts. This growth was driven by strong trading in U.S. Treasury futures and options, as well as SOFR-linked products. U.S. Treasury futures and options posted an annual ADV record of 8.3 million contracts, while SOFR futures and options reached 5.4 million.
Equity index derivatives also saw strong demand, with ADV increasing 8% year over year to 7.4 million contracts. Micro contracts played a significant role in this growth, with Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 and Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures both posting record volumes. This indicates sustained participation by retail and professional investors in smaller contracts.
Crypto Derivatives Experience Explosive Growth
Cryptocurrency derivatives have been one of the fastest-growing segments, with CME reporting a 139% increase in crypto ADV in 2025 to a record 278,000 contracts. This represents a notional value of approximately $12 billion. Micro-Ether futures led the complex, followed by Micro-Bitcoin futures, as traders increasingly favored capital-efficient instruments tied to digital assets.
The momentum continued in the fourth quarter, with Crypto ADV hitting a quarterly record of 379,000 contracts, and 339,000 contracts traded in December alone. According to CME, the increase reflects growing institutional exposure to regulated crypto markets, particularly during times of increased price volatility.
Global Participation and Liquidity Deepen
International trading activity also reached new highs, with ADV outside the U.S. rising 8% to a record 8.4 million contracts. Strong participation from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa led to this growth. CME notes that its markets benefit from global diversification of trade flows and increased cross-border demand for benchmark derivatives.
Overall, CME Group’s 2025 results highlight the exchange’s ability to generate volume across all asset classes during times of economic uncertainty. With crypto, interest rates, and commodities all contributing to record activity, the exchange enters 2026 with strong momentum and high liquidity across its global markets. For more information, visit https://cryptonews.com/news/cme-group-posts-record-trading-volumes-in-2025-as-crypto-and-rates-drive-activity/
