Silver Gets a Major Upgrade: CME to Launch New Futures as Retail Demand Hits Record Levels

Silver’s sharp rally is reshaping metals trading as CME Group moves to capture surging retail demand with a smaller futures contract, signaling intensifying momentum, volatility, and investor interest across the silver market.

Retail Traders Are Flooding Into Silver — CME’s New Contract Makes It Easier Than Ever

A surge in silver prices is drawing heightened attention to metals markets as new products emerge. Leading derivatives marketplace operator CME Group (Nasdaq: CME) unveiled plans on Jan. 13, 2026, to introduce a 100-ounce silver futures contract aimed at meeting accelerating retail investor demand.

The product rollout comes as silver prices show notable short-term momentum, reinforcing interest in smaller contract formats. Managing Director and Global Head of Metals Jin Hennig stated:

“Silver is increasingly appealing to retail traders looking to diversify their exposure across a wider range of metals in the face of geopolitical uncertainty and the energy transition.”

Market data underscores that trend, with COMEX silver futures trading around $91.57 early Jan. 14 after rising $14.19, or 18.34%, over the previous five trading days. During that period, prices climbed from the mid-$70 range to intraday highs near $91.80, reflecting strong buying pressure alongside reported volume of roughly 79,700 contracts and open interest exceeding 101,800 contracts.

Read more: Nasdaq and CME Join Forces on Crypto, Sending Clear Signal That Institutions Are All in

Industry partners emphasized how the contract’s reduced size fits current retail trading behavior amid rising prices and volatility. Robinhood Markets Vice President and General Manager of Futures and International JB Mackenzie said: “This new futures contract from CME Group supports our focus on building the best platform for active traders and offers customers a way to trade silver with less capital.” He added, “In line with our mission to democratize finance for all, this contract makes it easier to participate in the silver market and gives traders even greater flexibility.”

Plus500US Chief Executive Officer Isaac Cahana explained: “With silver in high demand, we are pleased that CME Group is expanding its smaller-sized offerings.” He further noted:

“This new contract will make it easier than ever for our global customers to capture silver opportunities in a flexible, cost-effective way.”

CME Group has already recorded strong retail-led growth, with 2025 producing record activity in Micro Gold futures at 301,000 average daily volume, Micro Silver futures at 48,000 average daily volume, and more than 6 million contracts traded in its 1-ounce gold futures product.

FAQ ⏰

• Why is CME Group launching a 100-ounce silver futures contract?

The new contract is designed to meet accelerating retail investor demand amid rising silver prices and volatility.

• How much have COMEX silver futures risen recently?

COMEX silver futures climbed about 18.34% over five trading days, jumping from the mid-$70 range to near $91.

• When is the new CME Group silver futures contract expected to launch?

The 100-ounce silver futures contract is scheduled for a Feb. 9 launch pending regulatory review.

• How will the 100-ounce silver futures contract be settled?

It will be financially settled using the daily settlement price of the global benchmark silver futures contract.