CME Group, a leading platform for trading derivatives, has announced its plans to launch Ether/Bitcoin ratio futures in the near future, subject to regulatory approval. The company intends to introduce its BTC/ETH ratio futures product on July 31, 2023. This type of futures contract involves an underlying asset that represents a ratio between two different commodities. Traders can use this contract to speculate on the relative price movement of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Upon settlement, the contract is resolved in cash based on the disparity between the contract price and the spot price of the ratio at that time.
Expansion of Bitcoin and Ethereum Futures
Earlier this year, CME Group expanded its portfolio of Bitcoin and Ethereum futures. The company made this announcement in April, and the expansion was implemented in May. Giovanni Vicioso, the Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, expressed his thoughts on the introduction of Ether/Bitcoin Ratio futures. He highlighted that this new product will enable investors to gain exposure to both Ether and Bitcoin through a single trade, eliminating the need to take a directional view. Vicioso also mentioned that while Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have historically exhibited a strong correlation, their growth has allowed them to perform independently at times.
Increased Investment Opportunities for Institutions
Jason Urban, the Global Head of Trading at Galaxy Digital, believes that the launch of Ether/Bitcoin Ratio futures will open up new investment opportunities for institutions and sophisticated investors. However, it remains unclear whether retail users will have access to this fund. Paul Eisma, the Head of Options Trading at XBTO, suggested that the introduction of this fund could have positive effects on certain markets. He anticipates that it will lead to higher trading volumes and narrower spreads, benefitting market participants.
Advancement in CFTC-Regulated Cryptocurrency Derivatives
Brooks Dudley of Marex Capital Markets hailed the introduction of Ether/Bitcoin Ratio futures as an important advancement for cryptocurrency derivatives regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This new product by CME Group will provide traders with additional tools and options to participate in the cryptocurrency market.
As CME Group prepares to launch Ether/Bitcoin Ratio futures, the investment landscape is set to expand further. This development allows market participants to capture the performance of both Ether and Bitcoin in a single trade, without taking a directional view. With the potential increase in investment opportunities for institutions and sophisticated investors, the introduction of this product has the potential to reshape the cryptocurrency derivatives market significantly.
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