CME launches bitcoin volatility index futures; Monarq and DV Chain place first trades

CME Group has launched bitcoin volatility index futures tied to the CME CF Bitcoin Volatility Index (BVX), letting traders bet on expected four-week BTC price swings rather than price direction. The contracts began trading last week, and Monarq Asset Management and DV Chain executed the first block trades, according to CoinDesk. CME said the product expands its crypto derivatives suite, which has reached roughly 266,900 contracts year-to-date, up 38% year-on-year, with average daily open interest at roughly 274,500 contracts, up 18%.