CME Group Inc. announces the launch of uros-denominated Bitcoin and Ether futures.
CME Group launched a new range of cryptocurrency investment products, this time denominated in euros.
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- New BTC and ETH futures in euros.
- CME expands its crypto derivatives offering.
- Despite the bear season, CME bets on crypto.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), one of the world’s largest derivatives markets, continues to expand its cryptocurrency products in the face of growing demand.
In a Press release this monday, CME Group announced the launch of its new futures contract offering for Bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH) denominated in euros. Products will be five size Bitcoin and 50 ETH per contract and will be settled in cash, depending on the Reference rate CME CF Bitcoin-Euro Y CME CF Ether-Eurorespectively.
Tim McCourt Global Head of Equity and Currency Products at CME Group, said the decision to launch the new contracts was based on growing demand and interest from investors seeking exposure to major cryptocurrencies; even in the midst of the current price slowdown in the market.
The launch of these new futures contracts builds on the strong growth and high liquidity we have seen in our existing US dollar-denominated Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts.
“Our new Bitcoin Euro and Ether Euro futures will provide institutional clients, both inside and outside the US, with more accurate and regulated tools to trade and hedge exposure to the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization“, he added McCourt.
CME expands its range of crypto products
CME had already advanced the launch of the new crypto derivatives at the beginning of the month, indicating that it was still waiting for regulatory approval for the product, as reported. CoinDesk. The publication suggested that the broader offering could accelerate the institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, considering that the currency of the European Union is one of the most desired in the world.
“Euro-denominated cryptocurrencies are the second most traded fiat currency after the US dollar. Year-to-date, the EMEA region accounts for 28% of all Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts traded, up more than 5% compared to 2021“, commented McCourt at the time.
The launch comes in the middle of a historical turmoil for the eurowhich lost its peg to the US dollar last week and sank to a 20-year low amid fears of economic recession in the bloc.
The digital asset market has also been highly volatile in recent months amid accelerating inflation in major economies. Bitcoin fell below $21,000 on Friday after US Federal Reserve (SEC) Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated the bank’s aggressive approach to reining in inflation.
The bearish sentiment had affected BTC futures on CME, which traded at a record discount last week. Despite this discouraging outlook, the derivatives market continues to bet on the sector. A few weeks ago, CME announced plans to launch options on ETH futures in the face of growing demand due to the arrival of The Merge.
CME Groupwhich began offering futures for Bitcoin in 2017, it has been expanding its range of cryptocurrency products in recent years. In addition to ETH futures, it also offers micro futures contracts for the two major crypto assets.
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Article by Hannah Estefanía Pérez / DailyBitcoin
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WARNING: This is an informative article. DiarioBitcoin is a means of communication, it does not promote, endorse or recommend any investment in particular. It is worth noting that investments in crypto assets are not regulated in some countries. May not be suitable for retail investors as the full amount invested could be lost. Check the laws of your country before investing.
