CME Group posts record Q3 2026 revenue and volume

CME Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CME) reported its highest third-quarter revenue on record for 2026, driven by a surge in client activity that pushed average daily volume to a new seasonal high. The Chicago-based derivatives exchange announced the results on October 21, 2026, citing double-digit growth in both revenue and net income as market participants sought to manage risk amid intensifying uncertainty.

For the third quarter of 2026, CME Group generated $1.7 billion in revenue and $1.1 billion in operating income. Net income reached $1.0 billion, resulting in diluted earnings per common share of $2.89. On an adjusted basis, which excludes certain items detailed in the company's non-GAAP reconciliation, operating income was $1.2 billion, net income was $1.1 billion, and diluted earnings per common share came to $3.02.

Trading activity hit peak levels, with average daily volume (ADV) climbing to 29.4 million contracts, the highest third-quarter figure in the company's history. Non-U.S. ADV also reached a third-quarter high of 9 million contracts. CME Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Duffy noted that clients turned to the exchange in record numbers to capitalize on opportunities, with volume growth extending across all six asset classes. The company reported that Q3 was its second-highest quarter ever for both revenue and adjusted net income.

Clearing and transaction fees accounted for $1.4 billion of the total revenue, with the average rate per contract standing at $0.679. Market data revenue set a record at $243 million for the quarter, marking a 20% increase. Duffy highlighted the launch of several new products and a new high of $100 billion in average daily capital efficiencies as key operational milestones.

The company also reported progress in its infrastructure transition, stating it is the only exchange offering clients the choice between co-location and cloud-managed services. As of September 30, 2026, CME Group held $2.4 billion in cash, including $225 million deposited with Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, against $3.4 billion in debt.

During the quarter, CME Group returned nearly $1 billion to shareholders through $465 million in regular quarterly dividends and $524 million in share repurchases. The company held a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on October 21 to discuss the results, with an archived recording available for up to two months following the event.