CME Group Stock Price, News & Analysis

CME Group launched a groundbreaking FX Options Vol Converter tool aimed at enhancing trading efficiency for foreign exchange traders. This innovative tool allows users to evaluate CME's listed FX options premiums in over-the-counter terms, facilitating better price monitoring and decision-making. It utilizes extensive price data to create a volatility grid, aligning listed options with OTC standards. The tool is designed to empower traders by providing quick access to key market parameters, improving execution and potential profitability.

CME Group reported August 2020 market statistics showing an average daily volume (ADV) of 16.4 million contracts and an open interest of 101 million contracts. Key ADV highlights include 7.2 million contracts in Interest Rates, 4.1 million contracts in Equity Index, and 2.1 million contracts in Options. Record ADV in metals was noted, with Silver futures up 61% and Micro Gold futures up 380% from August 2019. Notable trading activity included a record 13,401 contracts in Treasury Note futures.

TriOptima has expanded its collaboration with AcadiaSoft to automate monthly collateral interest payments for OTC market participants. This move could enhance efficiency in a market where cash collateral reached approximately $1.3 trillion in 2019. The collaboration aims to facilitate automation in collateral management, which is crucial for adhering to upcoming uncleared margin rules. TriOptima's network connects over 200 counterparties, improving post-trade processing capabilities and potentially reducing the time needed for cash collateral interest reconciliation.

Farmer sentiment in the U.S. saw a notable increase in August, with the Ag Economy Barometer rising to 144, a 26-point gain from July. This reflects optimism driven by favorable crop yield expectations and rising commodity prices. Both the Index of Current Conditions (up to 124) and the Index of Future Expectations (up to 154) experienced significant increases. Moreover, a surge in export expectations, particularly to China, contributed to a brighter outlook. The proportion of farmers anticipating land value increases rose, and concerns over equity decline reached a low since 2016.

CME Group has launched options on its Micro E-mini S&P 500 and Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures contracts, available for trading as of today. These options are smaller, at 1/10^th the size of standard E-mini options. The listing cycle includes various options contracts. Since their launch, Micro E-mini futures have shown remarkable performance with 186 million S&P 500 contracts and 131 million Nasdaq-100 contracts traded. Daily trading averages 1.5 million contracts, with a notable 30% of the activity occurring outside the U.S.

CME Group announced the launch of South American Soybean (Platts) Futures on September 21, 2020, subject to regulatory review. This new contract aims to provide market participants with a tool for managing exposure to the Brazilian soybean market. Developed in cooperation with B3, these futures will be financially settled based on the SOYBEX price assessment from S&P Global Platts, reflecting FOB prices from Brazil's port of Santos. The contract will be available on CME Globex, facilitating trading in U.S. dollars per metric ton.

CME Group, on August 12, 2020, reported record average daily volume (ADV) in Precious Metals markets, achieving 1.55 million contracts on August 11, surpassing the previous record of 1.51 million from February 28, 2020. Notably, a record 397,000 Silver futures contracts were traded on August 11, exceeding the prior record of 329,000 set on August 7, 2020. The day also marked over 1.66 million contracts traded, making it the second-highest metals volume day on record for CME Group.

CME Group, the leading derivatives marketplace, announced a $0.85 dividend per share for Q3 2020, payable on September 25, 2020, to shareholders of record by September 10, 2020. This decision reflects the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders while maintaining its position in the derivatives market. CME Group continues to empower market participants through its extensive trading platforms across various asset classes, ensuring effective risk management and opportunity capture.

The Ag Economy Barometer for July showed little change, rising just one point to 118, 30% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Farmers are slightly less optimistic about future conditions, with the Index of Future Expectations falling five points to 121. Notably, 56% plan to reduce farm machinery purchases. In contrast, short-term land value expectations improved slightly, with 16% predicting a rise in the next year. Ongoing concerns about COVID-19 have influenced farmers' preferences for information sources, leaning towards magazines and webinars.