CME Group has marked a new milestone in the battery metals market with record-breaking open interest in its lithium futures. As of July 31, 2024, open interest in Lithium Hydroxide futures reached an unprecedented 26,802 contracts, surpassing the previous high from just a day earlier. Meanwhile, open interest for Lithium Carbonate futures also climbed to a record 1,092 contracts, staying ahead of the prior record set on July 30, 2024.
The first six months of 2024 saw trading volumes in Lithium Hydroxide futures exceed the entire volume of 2023, highlighting growing investor interest in this area. Specifically, July 30, 2024, was notable for a record daily trading volume of 1,121 contracts in these futures, according to CME Group's reports. This indicates a surge in market activity and engagement in lithium futures, as the global demand for battery metals continues to rise.
In a strategic move to capitalize on this momentum, CME Group announced the upcoming launch of Spodumene CIF China Futures set for October 28, 2024, pending regulatory approval. This addition to their suite of battery metals futures is seen as a step to fortify their standing in the market, as they continue to offer robust risk management solutions in this thriving sector. The Financial Times noted CME Group's expansion efforts as a notable challenge to the London Metal Exchange's position in the battery metals market.