CME Group Achieves Record Open Interest in U.S. Treasury Futures Amid Market Volatility

CME Group Sets New Record in U.S. Treasury Futures Open Interest

CME Group, the preeminent derivatives marketplace globally, has achieved a remarkable milestone by reporting a record open interest (OI) of 36,328,151 contracts in its U.S. Treasury futures and options as of February 19, 2026. This figure eclipses the previous record set in November 2025, which stood at 35,120,066 contracts. Agha Mirza, CME Group's Global Head of Rates and OTC Products, attributes this significant increase in open interest to heightened client demand amidst the current volatility concerning monetary policy, government expenditures, and growing inflationary pressures. The rise in open interest is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a robust and active market environment where investors are keenly positioning themselves to navigate potential shifts in economic conditions.

The surge in open interest is not confined to the broader category of U.S. Treasury futures; specific benchmarks also experience substantial growth. The 2-Year U.S. Treasury Note futures and options benefit from an OI of 5.8 million contracts, while the 5-Year Notes reach 7.9 million contracts. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note futures and options climb to 12.6 million contracts, and even the long-term 30-Year U.S. Treasury Bond futures and options achieve 3.6 million contracts. Additionally, recent data from the CFTC reveals the presence of 2,100 large open interest holders (LOIH) in U.S. Treasury futures, indicating a growing concentration of institutional activity. This flourishing interest underlines CME Group’s crucial role in facilitating risk management and liquidity for market participants as they engage with these essential financial products.

CME Group offers a diverse array of futures and options tailored toward key financial benchmarks, including U.S. Treasuries, SOFR, and Fed Funds, all executed on the CME Globex platform. Additionally, the integration of portfolio margining and cross-margining capabilities with cleared interest rate swaps and cash U.S. Treasury transactions emphasizes the company's commitment to promoting efficient and effective trading solutions. CME Group's status as a leading entity in risk management enables global market participants to harness opportunities, fostering confidence in navigating today’s complex financial landscape.

As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and investor engagement, CME Group announces that Derek Sammann, the Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Commodities, will present at the upcoming 47th annual Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference on March 3, 2026. This presentation will be available for streaming on the company’s Investor Relations website, providing stakeholders with critical insights into CME Group’s strategic direction and market positioning.

In addition to its extensive offerings and active role in the financial sector, CME Group continues to invest in innovative solutions, ensuring its clients have access to cutting-edge trading resources. The company's operational excellence and strategic foresight reinforce its position as a fundamental player in the derivatives marketplace, catering to a diverse client base worldwide.