CME Group and Nasdaq extend exclusive futures license through 2039
CME Group (NASDAQ: CME) and Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NDAQ) announced a ten-year extension of CME Group's exclusive license to offer futures and options on futures based on the Nasdaq-100 and other Nasdaq indexes through 2039.
The agreement extends CME Group's rights to operate derivatives products based on Nasdaq indexes, continuing a partnership that began with the launch of Nasdaq-100 futures in 1996. CME Group launched E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures in 1999, which have since become one of the world's most actively traded equity index futures contracts with more than 2.8 billion contracts traded.
Trading volumes have increased significantly since the companies' previous license extension in 2019. The average daily volume of CME Group's Nasdaq-100 futures and options complex has grown more than 100% during this period. Year-to-date average daily volume reached more than 2.5 million contracts, representing a 22% increase year over year.
Within the product suite, Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures showed particularly strong growth with second quarter average daily volume increasing 39% to 1.3 million contracts.
"Extending our exclusive licensing agreement with Nasdaq will ensure that global market participants continue to have seamless access to our deeply liquid Nasdaq futures and options on futures," said CME Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Duffy.
Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman said the extension "reflects our shared commitment to delivering enduring value through trusted benchmark products, reinforcing the infrastructure that enables global participation in the equity markets."
The information is based on a press release statement from the companies.