CME Exchange Sees Record $118 Billion Ethereum Futures Volume in July

Ethereum futures trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) surged to an unprecedented $118 billion in July, marking an 82% increase from June. Open interest—a key metric for active contracts—jumped 75% to $5.21 billion, signaling robust institutional participation.

The rally extends beyond CME. Global ethereum futures volume across all exchanges reached $2.12 trillion in July, eclipsing May 2021's previous record by 13%. Open interest approached all-time highs at $36.3 billion in early August, reflecting sustained capital inflows.

ETH's price action mirrors the derivatives frenzy. The asset gained 17% last week, trading NEAR $4,300—just 13% shy of its historic peak. Market participants increasingly use futures for hedging and speculative plays amid Ethereum's ecosystem growth.