CME Group hit a new single-day trading record for its metals complex on January 26, with 3,338,528 contracts changing hands.
The volume represents an 18% jump from the previous record of 2,829,666 contracts set on October 17, 2025. In precious metals, Micro Silver futures alone reached 715,111 contracts, a daily record. Open interest in Micro Silver also reached an all-time high of 35,702 contracts.
Silver futures, Micro Gold futures and 1-Ounce Gold futures all logged top-five trading days.
“Amid ongoing macro-economic uncertainty, record volatility and heightened price risk, clients are turning to our markets to hedge and adjust precious metals exposure to meet their trading goals,” said Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group.
The record follows 2025 trading in CME’s micro-sized metals products, which have smaller contract sizes than standard futures and are available to retail and individual traders. Standard COMEX silver contracts cover 5,000 ounces, while Micro Silver contracts represent 1,000 ounces.
New product on the way
CME Group confirmed it will launch a 100-Ounce Silver futures contract on February 9, 2026, pending regulatory review. The product sits between the standard 5,000-ounce contract and the 1,000-ounce Micro Silver offering.
“Our expanding range of precious metal contracts provide clients of all sizes efficient access to right-sized risk management tools,” Hennig added.
The exchange’s metals complex is listed on COMEX. CME Group also reported a record in its natural gas complex on January 20, when 2,576,346 contracts traded.
CME shares were trading at approximately $272.44 on January 27, roughly 2.3% below the 52-week high. Exchange sector peers including Intercontinental Exchange and Nasdaq also posted gains on the day.
The 100-Ounce Silver futures launch will coincide with CME’s planned expansion into cryptocurrency derivatives, with Cardano, Chainlink and Stellar futures also scheduled to debut on February 9.
