The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has announced the upcoming launch of euro-denominated micro Bitcoin and Ether futures, scheduled for Mar. 18, pending regulatory approval. This development follows the successful introduction of U.S. dollar-denominated micro Bitcoin futures in May 2021 and micro Ether futures in December 2021.

CME had previously introduced regular euro-denominated Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts in August 2022, along with options products for these popular cryptocurrencies. The micro futures contracts will be one-tenth the size of their respective underlying assets, offering a more accessible option for investors looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH).

“Global investors have been seeking more precise tools to manage their risk as interest in bitcoin and ether continues to grow,” said Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products. Vicioso noted a four-fold increase in volume for USD-denominated micro Bitcoin and micro Ether futures, indicating a rising demand for these products.

The introduction of euro-denominated contracts aligns with CME Group’s strategy to serve a broader international market, with 24% of Bitcoin and Ether futures volume originating from the EMEA region. “We are dedicated to providing additional tools for clients to hedge their crypto portfolios and express or take a view on potential market movements,” Vicioso explained.

This move underscores CME’s ongoing commitment to the cryptocurrency derivatives market, which began with the launch of its first Bitcoin futures in December 2017. Recent data shows significant interest in these offerings, with record-high open interest and trading volumes for bitcoin futures reported last month, along with notable increases in ether futures activity.

For more cryptocurrency news and updates, explore Global Crypto News.

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