CME Group Stock Price, News & Analysis

CME Group reported record trading volumes for Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) futures, with 265,511 contracts traded on February 25, 2021, surpassing the previous record of 240,288 contracts. Additionally, open interest for SOFR futures reached a new high of 757,943 contracts. Eurodollar futures and options also showed significant activity, with 14 million contracts traded. Furthermore, Eurodollar 3-Year Mid-Curve options and U.S. Treasury options set new daily volume records of 1.4 million and 2.9 million contracts, respectively.

CME Group announced record trading volumes for Ultra 10-Year Note and 30-Year Bond futures on February 23, 2021, with 1.7 million and 1.8 million contracts traded, respectively. The Ultra 10-Year Note futures also achieved a new open interest record of 1.4 million contracts on February 22. The increase in trading activity is attributed to growing volatility in the U.S. Treasury market, as yields hit 12-month highs. Other records included Eurodollar and 3-Year Mid-Curve options, demonstrating CME's strong position in interest rate risk management.

CME Group will present virtually at the 22nd Annual Credit Suisse Virtual Financial Services Forum on February 25, 2021, at 12:10 p.m. Eastern Time. CFO John Pietrowicz and Global Head of Financial and OTC Products Sean Tully will showcase CME Group’s diverse offerings to institutional investors. The event is designed for financial services companies to connect with investors. The presentation will stream live on CME Group's investor website, with a replay available approximately 24 hours later.

CME Group reported strong financial results for Q4 and full-year 2020, with Q4 revenue of $1.1 billion and full-year revenue reaching $4.9 billion. The company reported net income of $424 million for Q4, with diluted EPS of $1.18, while adjusted EPS was $1.39. For the full year, net income was $2.1 billion (EPS of $5.87), with an adjusted EPS of $6.72. Average daily volume was 16.2 million contracts in Q4. The firm focuses on client needs, with planned launches for new products in Q1 2021.

CME Group has announced the addition of 11 new implied volatility benchmark indexes to its CME Group Volatility Indexes (CVOL™) suite. This expansion allows clients to access two years of historical volatility data across various asset classes, including WTI Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Gold, Silver, Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat, along with 5-Year and 30-Year Treasuries. The total CVOL Indexes now stands at 19, enhancing market transparency and providing a consistent volatility measure across diverse markets. The new indexes complement existing fixed income and FX volatility indexes and are compliant with IOSCO Principles for Financial Benchmarks.

CME Group has launched Ether futures, enhancing its crypto derivatives portfolio amid rising institutional demand. The new contract provides clients with a regulated platform to hedge Ether positions or gain exposure to the asset class. This addition follows the successful introduction of Bitcoin futures in 2017. The CME CF Ether-Dollar Reference Rate will underpin the cash-settled Ether futures. As institutions increasingly favor exchange-listed crypto derivatives, CME Group aims to facilitate their entry into this growing market.

CME Group announced its candidate slate for election to the board of directors at the annual meeting on May 5, 2021. The recommended nominees include Terrence A. Duffy (Chairman and CEO), Timothy S. Bitsberger (Managing Director), and Charles P. Carey (Former Vice Chairman). Additional nominees include prominent figures from finance and trading. The election will involve Class A and Class B shareholders voting together. CME Group is recognized as a leading global derivatives marketplace, providing a range of trading and risk management services.

CME Group has announced a first-quarter dividend of $0.90 per share, representing a 6% increase from the previous dividend of $0.85. This dividend will be payable on March 25, 2021, to shareholders on record as of March 10, 2021. CME Group operates as a leading derivatives marketplace offering a range of trading services across multiple asset classes, empowering clients to manage risks effectively.

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 7 points to 167 in January, reflecting declining future expectations among U.S. agricultural producers. The Index of Current Conditions remained stable at 199, while the Index of Future Expectations dropped to 151, a 19% decline since October 2020. Despite this, 30% of farmers expect better financial performance in 2021. Concerns loom over policy changes, with 83% anticipating stricter environmental regulations, and trade disputes impacting confidence. Interest in carbon capture also rose, with 30% aware of payment opportunities.