The Chicago Mercantile Change, or CME, just lately introduced plans so as to add Ethereum (ETH) futures to its providing — three years after launching Bitcoin (BTC) futures. Market growth has impacted the trade’s choice to department out. 

“Since we launched the CME CF Ether-Greenback Reference Fee and Actual-Time Index in 2018, there was important development in ether transactions, and elevated shopper demand for instruments to handle worth threat,” a CME consultant informed Cointelegraph.

Much like CME’s Bitcoin Reference Fee, the CF Ether-Greenback Reference Fee and Actual-Time Index primarily present ETH’s going market worth. “As with all new services or products, we made the choice to launch Ether futures based mostly on sturdy shopper demand and a clearly articulated want,” the consultant stated. “Itemizing Ether futures on a regulated, time-tested trade will assist to create a ahead curve for traders to hedge their publicity within the money market.”

The CME made the announcement on Dec. 16, noting plans for the product’s market entrance in February of 2021. Regulation nonetheless elements into the equation, nevertheless. “We’re engaged with the CFTF [Commodity Futures Trading Commission] and presently intend to certify in early Q1,” the CME consultant stated.

The CME’s Bitcoin futures buying and selling product hit the market on Dec. 17, 2017 — simply over three years in the past. The trade then launched Bitcoin choices buying and selling in early 2020. Each merchandise have acquired notable quantity numbers and a spotlight.