CME Group Metals Complex Hits Record 2.1M Contracts As Gold And Silver Trading Surges
CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, has announced that its metals complex reached a record daily volume of 2,148,990 contracts on October 9, 2025 — a 24% increase over the previous high of 1,728,362 contracts set in April 2024. The surge was led by robust demand for gold and silver futures, signaling a sharp rise in hedging and speculative activity as investors respond to heightened geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility.
“As geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts drive uncertainty, clients from around the world are turning to our metals futures and options in record numbers,” said Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group. “Clients are using our precious metal products to manage risk and adjust exposure across all contract sizes, including a record for our newly launched 1-Ounce Gold futures which is designed to increase access for retail participants.”
The record underscores the increasing role of CME Group’s metals contracts as a global barometer for inflation expectations, monetary policy, and investor sentiment. The trading surge also highlights the diversification of market participants, with both contributing to the heightened activity across contract sizes and maturities.
Takeaway
Gold And Silver Lead Record-Breaking Session
October 9 delivered a series of single-day records across CME Group’s metals suite. Metals futures alone accounted for 1,877,878 contracts, reflecting strong participation from global funds, dealers, and commercial users. Notably, Micro Gold and Micro Silver futures both reached all-time highs, indicating heightened participation from smaller and retail-focused investors who are increasingly engaging with offerings.
Among the standout performers:
- Micro Gold futures: 741,822 contracts traded, an all-time high.
- Micro Silver futures: 132,584 contracts traded, with open interest climbing to 18,276 contracts.
- 1-Ounce Gold futures: 77,946 contracts traded, a record for the product introduced to broaden retail access.
- Gold Weekly options: 70,496 contracts traded, with open interest hitting 100,650 contracts.
The data underscores both the breadth and depth of activity across CME Group’s metals products, which provide exposure to underlying precious metals in varying contract sizes. The performance of the newly launched 1-Ounce Gold futures also reflects a growing demand for smaller, more accessible contract formats that appeal to retail traders and smaller institutions.
Takeaway
Market Context: Volatility Drives Demand For secure-Haven Assets
The new record comes as investors worldwide navigate a complex macroeconomic environment characterized by volatile interest rates, , and geopolitical tension. These factors have boosted demand for gold and silver as secure-haven assets and hedging instruments. CME Group’s extensive metals offering enables participants to manage exposure across the entire risk spectrum — from short-term volatility to long-term portfolio diversification.
Analysts note that as uncertainty persists in global markets, liquidity and risk management tools such as CME’s gold and silver futures are likely to play an even greater role in portfolio strategies. The platform’s ability to provide deep, regulated markets with transparent pricing continues to attract institutional flows and sophisticated traders viewking stability amid shifting global dynamics.
Beyond short-term trading activity, CME Group’s latest milestone reinforces its position as a cornerstone of precious metals price discovery and risk management. As participation broadens, the platform’s metals complex is evolving to serve both global through product innovation and enhanced accessibility.
Takeaway
