CME Group Announces Record Copper Options Open Interest As Participation Grows Across Base Metals

January 19, 2023 - CME Group has announced that open interest in Copper Options (HX) has reached multiple, back-to-back records, reaching 137,574 contracts on January 18, 2023. Average daily volume (ADV) across the company's Copper Futures and Options complex is at 131,466 contracts month-to-date, up 42% from full-year 2022 ADV. Copper Options ADV is at 12,513 contracts month-to-date, up 410% over last year.

"As market participants navigate ongoing recession risk and China's easing of COVID-19 restrictions, they are increasingly using our Copper Options products to manage potential price moves," said Jin Chang, Global Head of Metals at CME Group. "The base metals industry is increasingly choosing to transact with CME Group for the transparent on-screen liquidity and around the clock access that our markets provide, and we are pleased with the growth we continue to see across our aluminum, copper and battery metals complex."

Five of the top five all-time open interest Copper Options (HX) records occurred over the last five trading days, including:

• Wednesday, January 11: 119,842 contracts
• Thursday, January 12: 125,914 contracts
• Friday, January 13: 128,183 contracts
• Tuesday, January 17: 133,234 contracts
• Wednesday, January 18: 137,574 contracts

Global Aluminum Futures (ALI) are also off to a strong start this year, with ADV month-to-date currently at 3,096 contracts, up 85% from full-year 2022 ADV. Copper Options and Aluminum Futures are listed by and subject to the rules of COMEX.