Ethereum open interest (OI) on CME hit a record with ~14.25M ETH (~$8.3B) in active futures contracts, signaling strong institutional participation that helped ETH reverse higher despite recent price pressures.
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Record CME ETH open interest: ~14,250,000 ETH (~$8.3B)
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Institutional futures buying and spot ETH ETF inflows supported the OI surge.
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ETH price rose ~4.09% to $4,326 after the OI milestone (CoinMarketCap data).
Ethereum open interest spikes on CME to record levels; read how institutional flows may be driving price action — full breakdown and next steps.
What is the Ethereum open interest surge on CME?
Ethereum open interest on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange reached a record-high ~14,250,000 ETH (~$8.3 billion) in active futures contracts on August 20, 2025, reflecting elevated institutional futures positioning that preceded a short-term rebound in ETH price.
How did CME ETH open interest reach record levels?
Data reported by the community analyst Maartunn and CryptoQuant show concentrated institutional activity on CME. Large accounts and funds opened new futures positions, lifting open interest even while spot prices declined. Spot Ethereum ETFs also recorded daily inflows, supporting broader accumulation trends.
Source: Maartunn
Why does rising ETH open interest matter for price?
Rising ETH open interest often signals increased leverage and conviction among traders. When open interest climbs alongside inflows, it can magnify moves: liquidations can accelerate rallies or corrections. In this instance, the OI spike coincided with renewed buying that pushed ETH back above $4,300.
When did the price reaction occur and what were the numbers?
Following the CME milestone, Ethereum registered a 4.09% gain in the last 24 hours, trading near $4,326 based on CoinMarketCap data. The recorded CME OI figure—about 14.25M ETH—translates to roughly $8.3 billion notional exposure at prevailing prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large was the CME ETH open interest record?
On August 20, CME open interest for ETH reached roughly 14,250,000 ETH, equivalent to about $8.3 billion at prevailing prices. This number reflects aggregated active futures contracts on the exchange.
Who reported the CME open interest data?
Community analyst Maartunn and data provider CryptoQuant were cited as sources for the CME open interest figures; CoinMarketCap provided the referenced price data. These sources are mentioned as plain text references.
Key Takeaways
- Record OI: CME open interest for ETH hit ~14.25M ETH, signaling major institutional positioning.
- Price impact: The OI surge coincided with a short-term ETH price rebound of ~4.09% to $4,326.
- Action: Traders should monitor open interest, ETF flows, and funding rates to assess sustainability of the move.
Conclusion
Ethereum’s record open interest on CME highlights renewed institutional engagement in ETH derivatives. While rising OI can drive amplified volatility, the concurrent spot ETF inflows and short-term price recovery suggest growing conviction among large players. Readers should track OI, funding rates, and ETF flows for signs of continued momentum or potential reversals; COINOTAG will monitor updates and publish follow-ups.
