Global Derivatives Market CME Group Plans to Expand Its Cryptocurrency Derivatives Suite with Bitcoin and Ethereum Futures。The products, dubbed Micro Bitcoin Euro Futures and Micro Ether Euro Futures, will be launched on March 18, pending regulatory approval.。

CME Group Enhances Cryptocurrency Hedging Function

Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, said: "The launch of these new micro-euro-denominated contracts will provide customers with more products to more effectively hedge Bitcoin and Ethereum's exposure to fiat currencies, which are second only to dollar contracts in terms of trading volume.。"

"24% of CME Group's Bitcoin and Ether futures trading volume so far this year has come from the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, and we will continue to develop additional tools for clients there to hedge their cryptocurrency portfolios and express or comment on potential market movements."。"

The press release stated that the addition of euro-denominated contracts provides a more effective way for investors to hedge the risks of top cryptocurrencies.。Micro Bitcoin Euro Futures and Micro Ether Euro Futures will be the same as similar products denominated in US dollars.。The futures will be listed on CME Group, offering clients standardized contracts to manage their cryptocurrency portfolios.。

In the second quarter of 2023, institutional investment in Bitcoin and Ethereum futures surged, driven by a rise in the value of crypto assets and a surge in spot applications for Bitcoin ETFs.。CME Group Reports Significant Growth in Number of Institutional Investors Holding Bitcoin and Ether Futures Contracts。

Bitcoin and Ether Futures Markets

An average of 107 institutional investors are said to hold at least 25 bitcoin futures contracts, while 62 institutional investors hold ether futures contracts over the same period, highlighting the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency derivatives as legitimate investment vehicles.。

The increase in institutional investment is synchronized with the upward trajectory of Bitcoin and Ether prices.。Bitcoin soared 84% in the first half of last year。

Open positions in the Bitcoin Standard Futures contract also surged 15% year-over-year, indicating strong demand for Bitcoin。Rising interest from institutional clients is partly due to US applications for Bitcoin ETF spot。