CME launches Nasdaq crypto index futures tracking 7 major tokens
In brief
- CME launched Nasdaq CME Crypto Index futures on June 8, tracking seven cryptocurrencies in a single contract
- Bitcoin dominates the index at 76.96%, followed by Ethereum at 12.68% and XRP at 5.80%
- Standard (NCI) and micro (MCI) contracts both settle financially against the NCIS price index
- CME and Nasdaq partnership combines regulated trading infrastructure with institutional-grade index methodology
Index composition and weighting
The Nasdaq CME Crypto Index futures track seven tokens: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar. Bitcoin dominates with a 76.96% weighting, while Ethereum comes in second at 12.68%. XRP holds 5.80%, and Solana accounts for 3.23%, with the remaining three tokens making up the balance based on market capitalization.
The contracts settle financially against the Nasdaq CME Crypto Settlement Price Index, eliminating the complexity of physical token custody. No wallet headaches. Just cash settlement.
Contract structure and availability
CME is offering two contract sizes: a standard version (ticker NCI) and a micro version (ticker MCI). This dual-tier approach allows both large institutional traders and smaller participants to access the product at their preferred scale.
The announcement was first made on May 14, though trading commenced on June 8. Nasdaq provides the index methodology and calculation, while CME provides the trading infrastructure and clearing.
Institutional positioning
CME has been in the crypto futures business since 2017, when it launched Bitcoin futures. Solana futures arrived more recently in March 2025. This new basket product extends that institutional reach.
The partnership structure matters. CME's regulated status, combined with its clearing infrastructure and Nasdaq's indexing credibility, creates a product that compliance departments can approve. For institutions holding multiple major cryptocurrencies but seeking a single exposure vehicle, the Nasdaq CME Crypto Index futures offer simplified execution without the operational friction of managing individual token positions.
