CME Group's Micro Bitcoin Futures Open for Trading

The exchange is giving traders another way to bet on bitcoin.

AccessTimeIconMay 3, 2021 at 5:01 p.m. UTC
Updated Aug 19, 2021 at 9:08 a.m. UTC

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange launched its "Micro Bitcoin" futures product in an attempt to capitalize on bitcoin's price rally this year and build upon the successful launch in 2017 of a regular futures contract for the largest cryptocurrency.

The futures contract was announced in late March but has just opened for trading.

  • Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
    13:18
    Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
  • Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
    05:10
    Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
  • The first video of the year 2024
    04:07
    The first video of the year 2024
  • The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    40:07
    The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    • “At one-tenth the size of one bitcoin, micro bitcoin futures will provide an efficient, cost-effective way for a broad array of market participants – from institutions to sophisticated, active traders – to fine-tune their bitcoin exposure and enhance their trading strategies,” Tim McCourt, head of equity index and alternative investment products at CME Group, said in a press release.
    • “By lowering the barrier of entry, more traders will be able to gain exposure to bitcoin,” said John Bartleman, president of TradeStation Group, the parent company of an online trading platform that will offer clients micro BTC futures.
    • "At the 6 p.m. open last night, we executed the first block trade of 140 lots for two of our clients – Genesis Trading and XBTO. These smaller right-sized CME micro bitcoin futures contracts will make crypto futures trading more accessible for traders of all sizes," wrote Brooks Dudley, global head of digital assets at brokerage firm ED&F Man Capital Markets.
    • The CME micro bitcoin futures are cash-settled and based on the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.