Core Viewpoint - CME Group is actively considering launching its own cryptocurrency and moving all crypto products to 24/7 trading, indicating a strategic shift in its approach to digital assets [1][2]. Group 1: Cryptocurrency Initiatives - CME Group is collaborating with Google on a tokenized cash initiative aimed at secure wholesale payments and asset tokenization, expected to roll out later this year [2]. - The company is exploring the potential of launching its own coin on a decentralized network, which distinguishes it from competitors like Citigroup and JPMorgan that are using private networks for tokenization [2]. Group 2: Trading Operations - CME Group has been contemplating 24/7 trading for its crypto products for some time, with plans to begin around-the-clock trading for cryptocurrency futures and options in early 2026, pending regulatory review [3]. - The firm is preparing to launch futures for XRP and Solana, alongside other cryptocurrencies like Chainlink, Cardano, and Stellar [3]. Group 3: Trading Volume Performance - In 2025, CME Group reported record cryptocurrency trading volumes, with an average daily volume increase of 92% year-over-year in Q4, translating to over $13 billion in notional value traded per day [4].

Core Insights - Bitcoin derivatives have gained a regulated entry point in the U.S. with the launch of Tezos futures by Bitnomial, enhancing institutional-grade trading infrastructure for the project [1][5] - XTZ is currently trading around $1.80, significantly below its peak of $9.12, indicating a broader trend of crypto trading moving towards regulated environments [2][7] - The introduction of regulated futures is expected to support long-term market participation rather than immediate price rallies [6][7] Group 1: Tezos Futures and Market Impact - Tezos futures allow traders to agree on a price for future settlement, functioning similarly to locking in prices for commodities [3] - Regulated products are subject to oversight and clearing requirements, reducing counterparty risk and increasing transparency, which may attract institutional investors [4] - Bitnomial's history of launching regulated crypto products suggests a growing acceptance of such offerings by regulators [5] Group 2: Tezos Network and Institutional Appeal - Tezos, launched in 2018, features a self-upgrading architecture that appeals to institutional participants due to its predictable governance and reduced disruptive upgrades [6] - The introduction of regulated futures is anticipated to enhance price discovery over longer time horizons, allowing professional traders to express views through structured contracts [6]

Core Insights - Solana blockchain is recognized for being cheaper, faster, and more eco-friendly compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum, although it still trails behind in price, trading volume, and market capitalization [1] Group 1: Institutional Integration - Solana has seen significant integration within financial markets, particularly in the institutional sector, with at least six exchange-traded products (ETPs) launched in 2025, featuring Solana as the underlying asset [2] - The first-ever Spot Solana ETP, BSOL, launched by Bitwise on October 28, achieved 33 consecutive days of positive inflows, exceeding $647 million by December 16 [2] - Fidelity introduced the Fidelity Solana Fund (FSOL) in mid-November, followed by Charles Schwab's launch of Solana futures for both institutional and retail investors a month later [2] Group 2: Revenue Growth and Market Position - Solana is projected to surpass Ethereum in annual revenue, with estimates of $1.4 billion for Solana compared to $522 million for Ethereum [5] - Predictions for Solana's price by 2030 include a bearish target of $1,004, an average target of $1,042, and a bullish target of $1,258, indicating potential for significant gains in the next five years [5] Group 3: DeFi Integration - Solana has enhanced its presence in the DeFi space, exemplified by Hex Trust's launch of Wrapped XRP (wXRP) on December 12, which is a 1:1-backed token that mirrors the price of XRP on the Solana blockchain [4]

Core Insights - Solana's price has declined despite record network usage and revenue, generating over $271 million in Q2 2025 fees and payments, leading all networks for three consecutive quarters [1][2] - The disconnect between Solana's price and its network activity reflects broader trends in the cryptocurrency market, with money rotating between Layer-1s, meme coins, and ETFs [1][4] Network Performance - Solana is a high-speed blockchain that competes with Ethereum, attracting traders and app developers due to its low transaction costs [2] - In January 2025, Solana experienced peak decentralized exchange (DEX) activity with approximately $408 billion traded, but this activity cooled off by March, leading to a decline in short-term trading momentum [3] Price Dynamics - The expectation that increased usage should correlate with higher prices is challenged by the current market dynamics, where traders are rotating into other assets, causing SOL's price to drop despite strong network performance [4] - Investors who purchased Solana at its peak price of $293 are currently facing a 59% decline in value [5] Institutional Interest - Institutional interest in Solana is growing, with products like Franklin Templeton's spot SOL ETF now available, allowing exposure to SOL through regular brokerage accounts [5] - CME Group is preparing to launch Solana futures, indicating a significant step for institutional trading and hedging [5][6] Market Positioning - The introduction of institutional trading tools for Solana suggests a transition from retail-driven hype to a more established position alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum [6]

Breakpoint announcements cap off another big week for Solana where TradFi meets internet capital markets. Market Overview Prices may be down across all of crypto, but Solana and its ecosystem keep on shipping. Look no further than the recently concluded Solana Breakpoint Conference in Abu Dhabi, and the fact that it survived the fourth-biggest DDoS attack in history with “zero impact.” Crypto charts remain gloomy, with Bitcoin struggling to bounce back after slipping 7% to $86,300. Degens were rekt, lo ...

New Product Launch - CME Group has launched Spot-Quoted XRP and Solana futures, expanding its crypto derivatives offerings [1] - These contracts are priced in spot-market terms, allowing traders to think in cash prices [1] - These are the smallest crypto contracts CME has introduced to date, designed for active, price-sensitive traders [2] Trading Volume and Demand - Spot-Quoted Bitcoin and Ether futures have seen strong demand since their June launch [2] - Over 13 million (1.3 million * 10) contracts have traded so far, with average daily volume at 11,300 contracts [2] - A record 60,700 contracts traded on Nov 24 [2] Trading Platform and Features - Spot-Quoted XRP and SOL futures are listed on CME and CBOT, trading alongside major U S equity index futures [3] - CME has activated Trading at Settlement (TAS) for XRP, SOL, and their Micro futures [4] - TAS allows traders to execute positions at a spread to the 4:00 p m ET settlement price [4] - TAS is commonly used to manage risk tied to crypto ETFs and supports block trades and anonymous execution through CME Globex [4]

RT Altcoin Daily (@AltcoinDaily)JUST IN: $11 Trillion Charles Schwab adds Solana futures to its trading platform https://t.co/hGJL44haSe ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CME Group generated revenue of $1.5 billion in Q3 2025, down 3% from Q3 2024, with an average rate per contract of $0.702, resulting in clearing and transaction fees of $1.2 billion [8][9] - Market data revenue reached a record $203 million, up 14% year-over-year, marking the 30th consecutive quarter of revenue growth [8][100] - Adjusted net income was $978 million, or $2.68 per share, slightly above the previous year's strong performance, representing the third highest quarter in the company's history [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average daily volume for the quarter was 25.3 million contracts, the second highest in CME's history for Q3, with quarter-end open interest at 126 million contracts, the highest in five years [4][5] - The crypto complex traded a record 340,000 contracts per day, up over 225% year-over-year, driven by the success of Solana and XRP futures [5] - FX Spot Plus set new volume records every month in Q3, indicating strong demand for innovative trading solutions [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - CME Group maintained a 76% market share in WTI futures, up from 74% in the previous quarter, and held a 91% share in WTI options markets [56] - Natural gas complex grew by 2% in Q3, with NACAS options up 12%, reflecting ongoing demand for U.S. LNG exports [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CME Group is focused on innovation and expanding product offerings, including the introduction of 24/7 trading for cryptocurrency futures and options starting early next year [7] - The partnership with FanDuel aims to enhance retail strategy, potentially reaching 13 million accounts and expanding distribution of CME products [12][16] - The company is committed to maintaining strong capital efficiencies and exploring new market opportunities without necessarily pursuing acquisitions [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued growth driven by customer demand and innovative products, despite a general pullback in volatility across asset classes [4][5] - The outlook for energy markets remains positive, with expectations of growth in crude and natural gas trading as U.S. energy products continue to globalize [58] - Management emphasized the importance of credibility in markets and the potential for future growth in retail and prediction markets [16][36] Other Important Information - CME Group announced the extension of its FTSE Russell Index derivatives license through 2037, ensuring continuity and value for clients [6] - The company is preparing for 24/7 trading in crypto markets by 2026, with ongoing efforts in tokenization of cash and other assets [70][76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about your long-term retail strategy? - Management highlighted the importance of the partnership with FanDuel and the potential to reach 13 million accounts, emphasizing a strong position to grow retail business organically without M&A [12][16] Question: Is CME Group considering sports-related event contracts? - Management stated that they are prepared to offer sports event contracts once regulatory approval is secured, emphasizing the need for government clarity on the classification of these contracts [20][22][36] Question: What is the outlook for energy markets? - Management noted that while energy volumes were down in Q3, there is still strong growth potential in crude and natural gas markets, particularly in Europe and Asia [56][58] Question: How are you thinking about capital deployment after the recent sale? - Management indicated that proceeds from the sale were approximately $1.55 billion, with plans to review potential uses of capital, including buybacks and dividends [63][64] Question: Can you elaborate on the hurdles for 24/7 trading? - Management discussed the need for tokenization and operational readiness for 24/7 trading, starting with crypto markets, while noting that demand from other asset classes is still being assessed [70][76]

RT BSCN (@BSCNews)CME TO LAUNCH OPTIONS ON SOLANA AND XRP FUTURES- CME Group, one of the world’s largest derivatives exchanges, will launch options on Solana and XRP futures on October 13, pending regulatory approval.- The contracts will come in both standard and micro sizes, with expiries available daily, monthly, and quarterly.- The move expands CME’s crypto suite beyond Bitcoin and Ether, giving institutions and active traders more tools to manage exposure.- Futures are agreements to buy or sell an asset ...

New Product Launch - CME Group will launch options on Solana and XRP futures on October 13, pending regulatory approval [1] - The contracts will come in both standard and micro sizes [1] Market Impact - The move broadens CME's crypto offerings past Bitcoin and Ether [1] - This provides institutions and traders more ways to manage exposure to Solana and XRP [1]