Launch Catch-Up — Results Released October 21, 2026
CME Group reported its highest third-quarter revenue and trading volume in an October 21 financial release, with average daily volume reaching 29.4 million contracts.
The Chicago derivatives-exchange operator reported approximately $1.7 billion in revenue and $1.1 billion in operating income. Net income was approximately $1 billion, or $2.89 per diluted share.
Adjusted earnings, which exclude specified items, were $3.02 per share. These supplemental figures differ from the company’s reported accounting results.
Average daily volume outside the United States reached 9 million contracts, also a third-quarter record. CME said all six asset classes recorded double-digit volume growth.
Clearing and transaction fees generated $1.4 billion in revenue, while market-data revenue rose 20% to $243 million.
CME ended September with $2.4 billion in cash, including a clearing deposit classified among other current assets, and $3.4 billion in debt. It returned nearly $1 billion to shareholders during the quarter through regular dividends and share repurchases. The figures describe completed operations rather than a forecast for future trading activity.
Sources: CME Group, October 21: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1156375/000115637526000065/exhibit9919302026.htm