CME Unveils Bitcoin Volatility Index: A New Benchmark for Crypto Traders CME запустила индекс волатильности биткоина: новый бенчмарк для криптотрейдеров

The leading regulated derivatives exchange, CME, has introduced a new set of cryptocurrency benchmarks, which includes a volatility index for the foremost cryptocurrency.

This tool will monitor the implied volatility of Bitcoin futures options, reflecting traders’ expectations regarding the asset’s price fluctuations over the next 30 days.

Similar to the VIX in the stock market, this indicator will serve as a critical reference point for assessing uncertainty, pricing, and hedging risks. The announcement emphasizes that the index itself is not a tradable contract but acts as a «standardized benchmark.»

The collection also features benchmarks for Ethereum, Solana, and XRP.

Institutional interest has emerged as one of the driving forces in the current crypto market cycle, fueled not only by the excitement surrounding exchange-traded funds but also by the robust development of futures and options.

Cryptocurrency derivatives have existed long before ETFs, but they received less attention for a considerable time amid significant capital influxes into spot investment products based on digital assets.

The third quarter saw a surge in institutional activity at CME, with the total trading volume of cryptocurrency futures and options exceeding a record $900 billion.

By the end of September, the average daily open interest reached $31.3 billion, indicating deep market liquidity and the confidence of major players.

Investors particularly focused on Ethereum-based instruments. In September, the trading volume of futures tied to this asset set a daily record—543,900 contracts valued at $13.1 billion. Simultaneously, open interest surged to $10.6 billion.

“Record-breaking 118 large holders opened positions in futures in August; the overall increase in activity shows how institutional investors are increasingly utilizing Ethereum,” experts noted.

In the third quarter, there was also a notable rise in demand for futures linked to Solana and XRP, with their volumes reaching historical highs.

Since March, the number of Solana contracts surpassed 730,000, amounting to $34 billion, while XRP contracts reached 476,000 valued at $23.7 billion.

It is worth mentioning that in October, CME launched 24/7 trading for options and futures related to cryptocurrency-based instruments.