CME Group, Nasdaq extend Nasdaq-100 futures license to 2039

CME Group, Nasdaq extend Nasdaq-100 futures license to 2039

CME Group and Nasdaq have extended their exclusive license for futures and options based on the Nasdaq-100 and other Nasdaq indexes, now set to run through 2039. This agreement, announced on July 22, 2025, follows a nearly 30-year history of partnership between the two entities [1].

The extension of the license ensures that market participants continue to have seamless access to CME Group's Nasdaq futures and options on futures, which are among the world's most actively traded financial products. Terry Duffy, Chairman and CEO of CME Group, highlighted the significance of this agreement, stating, "Extending our exclusive licensing agreement with Nasdaq will ensure that global market participants continue to have seamless access to our deeply liquid Nasdaq futures and options on futures, which are among the world's most actively traded financial products" [1].

The Nasdaq-100 Index®, a cornerstone of modern investing, reflects the performance of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq. For almost 30 years, CME Group and Nasdaq have worked together to build a robust derivatives ecosystem that supports investor confidence and market integrity. Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, emphasized the shared commitment to delivering enduring value through trusted benchmark products, reinforcing the infrastructure that enables global participation in the equity markets [1].

The partnership has seen significant growth in trading volumes. Since the previous license extension in 2019, the average daily volume (ADV) of CME Group's Nasdaq-100 futures and options on futures complex has grown by more than 100%. In the first half of 2025, the ADV across the entire suite of Nasdaq-100 futures and options on futures has climbed to more than 2.5 million contracts, up 22% year-over-year. The Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures, specifically, saw a 39% increase in Q2 ADV to 1.3 million contracts [1].

This extension underscores the commitment of both CME Group and Nasdaq to maintaining the integrity and liquidity of the Nasdaq-100 futures market, which has become a vital tool for risk management and investment strategies for global investors.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/cme-group-and-nasdaq-extend-exclusive-nasdaq-100-futures-license-through-2039-ce7c5cdddd8cf422