Bitcoin steadies above $73k as CME launches 24/7 crypto futures trading
Investing.com -- Bitcoin traded little changed on Sunday as CME Group launched round-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options products, expanding access to regulated crypto derivatives markets.
Bitcoin was trading up 0.49% at $73,858.5 as of 04:45 ET (08:45 GMT) amid muted market sentiment.
The world’s largest derivatives exchange said its crypto futures and options suite is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through its CME Globex platform, allowing traders to respond to market-moving events during weekends, holidays, and overnight sessions.
The move brings CME’s trading schedule closer to the always-open nature of cryptocurrency spot markets, where bitcoin and other digital assets trade continuously.
CME said its crypto products generated nearly $3 trillion in notional trading volume in 2025, highlighting growing institutional demand for regulated exposure to digital assets.
The exchange currently offers futures and options tied to bitcoin and ether, along with newer contracts linked to XRP and Solana.
The expanded trading hours could provide investors with greater flexibility to hedge positions during periods of heightened volatility. Bitcoin has historically experienced sharp price swings outside traditional market hours, particularly during weekends when major macroeconomic or geopolitical developments emerge.
The launch also comes as institutional participation in crypto markets continues to grow through exchange-traded funds and regulated derivatives products.
Spot bitcoin ETF demand has cooled in recent weeks, contributing to a pullback in cryptocurrency prices despite gains in broader financial markets. Bitcoin was down about 3% over the past week, while Ether posted similar declines.
Market participants are also monitoring regulatory developments in Washington. The proposed CLARITY Act, which would establish a broader framework for digital asset oversight in the United States, continues to draw attention from both crypto firms and traditional financial institutions.
JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon last week criticized aspects of the legislation, arguing that certain provisions could create an uneven regulatory environment between banks and crypto companies.
Despite recent price weakness, analysts say the continued expansion of regulated trading venues and institutional products remains a key development for the digital asset sector.
With CME now offering continuous access to crypto futures and options, traders can manage exposure to bitcoin, ether, XRP, and Solana throughout the week without waiting for traditional market reopenings.
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