CME Launches 100-Ounce Silver Futures to Meet Record Retail Demand

CME Group will launch a new 100-Ounce Silver futures contract on 9 February 2026, pending regulatory approval. The move is part of a broader response to rising demand from retail traders seeking exposure to precious metals amid geopolitical uncertainties and a growing focus on energy transition-linked investments according to market analysis.

The new contract is designed to improve access to silver trading for a wider range of participants. With a smaller size than traditional silver futures, it reduces the capital required for entry. CME Group's Global Head of Metals, Jin Hennig, said the product will 'improve access to a wider range of participants' and enable traders to benefit from CME's established liquidity and market efficiencies as reported.

Retail-focused platforms such as Robinhood and Plus500US have expressed support for the initiative. JB Mackenzie of Robinhood noted that the contract aligns with its mission to democratize finance by providing customers with an accessible way to trade silver according to company statements.

Why Did This Happen?

Retail participation in CME's metals products hit record levels in 2025. Trading volumes for the Micro Gold and Micro Silver futures contracts reached all-time highs, with Micro Silver seeing an average daily volume of 48,000 contracts as data shows. The 1-Ounce Gold futures, launched in January 2025, also generated over 6 million contracts traded according to trading reports.

The energy transition and geopolitical tensions are driving increased interest in silver. As governments and investors shift focus toward clean energy technologies, the demand for silver — a critical component in solar panels and electric vehicles — has surged according to industry analysis.

How Markets Reacted

Silver prices have surged to record highs, reaching $85.877 per ounce on the back of geopolitical tensions and broader economic uncertainty according to price data. The surge has prompted CME to raise margin requirements for silver futures, currently at 9% of the contract's notional value as market reports indicate.

The new 100-ounce contract is expected to provide a more accessible on-ramp for traders. Isaac Cahana, CEO of Plus500US, said the product will make it 'easier than ever' for global clients to capture silver trading opportunities according to company commentary.

What Analysts Are Watching

Analysts are monitoring how the new contract will affect liquidity and price discovery in the silver market. Higher margin requirements have been introduced to manage risk, but they have not deterred traders. Rob Haworth of U.S. Bank Asset Management said that while higher margins increase the marginal cost of trading, they are unlikely to halt gains as analysts note.

CME's new offering also comes as part of a broader trend of expanding product offerings for smaller investors. In another recent move, Nasdaq and CME Group jointly announced the Nasdaq-CME Crypto Index, aimed at institutional investors seeking diversified exposure to major cryptocurrencies according to official announcements.

The new 100-Ounce Silver futures will be financially settled and listed under COMEX rules. This structure is intended to ensure transparency and compliance with market standards while supporting broader participation as industry sources explain.