CME Group posted an average daily volume of 29.7 million contracts in August 2026, making it the second-highest August the exchange has ever recorded. The figure represents a 6% climb from the same month last year, powered by a pair of asset classes that are flashing unmistakable signals about where institutional money is flowing right now.
US Treasury futures led the charge with a 15% year-over-year jump in average daily volume. Metals trading was even more dramatic, surging 48% compared to August 2025.
The numbers behind the record-chasing month
The only August that topped this one was August 2024, which means CME is operating at near-peak levels for the month. July 2026 had already set the stage, delivering a record average daily volume of 27 million contracts, a 23% increase from the prior year’s July.
Why derivatives volume matters beyond the exchange
