TLDR
- CME Group has introduced new cryptocurrency benchmarks covering Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and XRP.
- The benchmarks include a VIX-style Bitcoin volatility index based on options market data.
- These indices provide standardized pricing and risk measurement tools for institutional investors.
- CME Group confirmed that the benchmarks are reference tools and are not available for trading.
- The volatility index measures expected Bitcoin price movement over the next 30 days.
CME Group has launched new cryptocurrency benchmarks that include pricing references and a VIX-style Bitcoin volatility index. The company stated the suite aims to standardize risk metrics and market tracking across Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and XRP. These new indices target institutional demand for consistent crypto tools, mirroring equity and commodity market standards.
Bitcoin Benchmarks and Volatility Metrics Introduced
CME Group announced a set of Bitcoin pricing and volatility benchmarks derived from Micro Bitcoin options data. The volatility index measures expected 30-day price movements and follows a structure similar to the equities-focused VIX. CME Group confirmed that the benchmarks are non-tradable and only serve institutional portfolio and pricing purposes.
The new Bitcoin benchmarks offer reference data for trading desks and fund managers seeking transparent price measurement. Each benchmark calculates implied volatility from traded option prices linked to CME Group’s Micro Bitcoin futures. The volatility index delivers forward-looking insights based on current derivatives activity, CME Group explained.
CME Group said the benchmarks help address fragmented pricing in the digital asset markets. They aim to offer a unified data point across institutions for better portfolio risk management and derivatives pricing. “Standardized reference tools are essential in expanding institutional access to crypto markets,” CME Group stated.
Ether, Solana Pricing Data Now Available
CME Group has included Ether in the newly released benchmark suite to support growing trading activity in ETH derivatives. The indices give structured pricing data based on market transactions across CME Group’s regulated Ether futures. This approach offers funds and traders precise market valuation in a single reference point.
The firm reported an increase in Ether futures volume during Q3, highlighting broader institutional participation. CME Group also confirmed that average daily open interest in crypto products exceeded $31 billion. This supports the use of enhanced reference tools for large-scale derivatives strategies.
CME Group designed the indices to reflect real market trading, including open interest and pricing movement indicators. They serve institutional desks that require precise data inputs for portfolio modeling and valuation.
“Transparent benchmarks are key to developing risk-adjusted strategies,” CME Group noted in its release.
XRP and Solana Benchmarks Complete the Index Suite
CME Group included XRP and Solana in the new benchmark rollout to complete its multi-asset crypto index offering. These indices are built on CME Group data and external reference rates from leading exchanges. They address the growing use of Solana and XRP in institutional crypto strategies.
Solana futures activity expanded in recent quarters, according to trading data shared by CME Group. This prompted the inclusion of the asset in the new benchmarks, aligning with current institutional demand. Each Solana index offers both pricing and expected volatility snapshots.
XRP benchmarks follow the same structure, offering daily references sourced from aggregated market inputs. CME Group said the indices provide transparency for assets beyond Bitcoin and Ether.
“Market participants need dependable references across more tokens,” the company stated.
CME Group reported that total crypto futures and options volume surpassed $900 billion in Q3. These benchmarks come in response to demand for accurate tools following the rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs. The new suite marks CME Group’s latest move to meet institutional crypto data needs.
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