CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) will launch 24/7 cryptocurrency futures and options trading starting May 29, closing the timing gap between regulated derivatives and always-on crypto markets as CME is trading flat after breaking out to new highs.
The 24/7 Launch
CME will offer continuous trading on Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) futures and options starting May 29 at 4:00 p.m. CT, pending regulatory review.
The change addresses a key friction point—digital assets trade continuously on spot exchanges, but regulated futures close overnight and on weekends, creating gaps for hedging and risk management.
Tim McCourt, CME’s Global Head of Equities, FX, and Alternative Products, said client demand for crypto risk management reached an all-time high, driving a record $3 trillion in notional volume across crypto derivatives in 2025.
“Providing always-on access to our regulated, transparent cryptocurrency products ensures clients can manage their exposure and trade with confidence at any time”
The volume growth supports the move.
Year-to-date, CME reported average daily crypto volume of 407,200 contracts, up 46% year-over-year, and average daily open interest of 335,400 contracts, up 7%.
Futures volume alone averaged 403,900 contracts daily, a 47% increase.
Why This Matters For Crypto
The 24/7 structure removes timing mismatches that have forced institutional traders to choose between regulated CME futures with limited hours or unregulated crypto exchanges operating around the clock.
Now institutions can hedge positions and manage risk continuously on a regulated venue.
CME launched Bitcoin futures in 2017 and later expanded into Ethereum futures and options, positioning itself as the regulated venue for institutional crypto exposure.
The exchange recently added products tied to Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA), Chainlink (CRYPTO: LINK), and Stellar (CRYPTO: XLM) as part of a broader digital asset push.
Exchanges are racing to meet institutional demand. Coinbase and Kraken spent billions acquiring derivatives service providers to bolster their product suites.
CME’s 24/7 move keeps it competitive as Wall Street and crypto incumbents fight for market share.
The CME Breakout
CME is trading flat after completing a textbook inverse head and shoulders pattern.
The left shoulder formed in June-July 2025, the head bottomed near $255 in September-October, and the right shoulder completed around December 2025-January 2026.
The neckline at $285-$290 has been decisively broken, with CME now trading well above it. The measured move target projects to $310-$320 based on the pattern’s depth.
CME recently spiked to $310, sitting right in the target zone.
All EMAs stack bullishly: 20 EMA at $295.72, 50 EMA at $285.84, 100 EMA at $279.01, and 200 EMA at $270.08.
The RSI at 69.98 approaches overbought at 70, suggesting near-term consolidation before the next leg.
Image: Shutterstock
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