CME Introduces Two Multi‑Asset Crypto Indexes Focused on Altcoins

CME Group announced the launch of two new cryptocurrency benchmarks designed for investment funds and derivatives. The indexes provide continuous, second‑by‑second pricing and daily settlement values across three global regions.

Index composition

• CME CF Emerging Crypto Index: tracks ten of the largest qualifying assets after excluding Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH). Constituents are BNB, XRP, SOL, HYPE, LINK, XLM, SUI, UNI, AVAX and AAVE.
• CME CF Crypto Market Index: includes the same ten tokens plus BTC and ETH, creating a 12‑asset benchmark for the overall large‑cap crypto market.

Methodology and weighting

Both indexes use free‑float market‑capitalization weighting, meaning assets with a larger tradable market value receive a higher weight. Eligibility criteria include custody standards, a protocol‑use test based on total value locked, and compliance with U.S. listing standards. Meme coins are excluded.

Rebalancing schedule

Constituent lists and weights are reviewed twice a year, on the first business day of June and December. Rebalancing allows the baskets to reflect changes in market value and to incorporate newly eligible assets.

Real‑time and settlement data

Real‑time index values are calculated every second, operating 24 hours a day. Daily settlement versions are published at 4 p.m. in London, New York and Singapore/Hong Kong.

Licensing and product use

The indexes are available for licensing to support passive replication by funds, as settlement benchmarks for derivatives, and for other financial products. They complement CME’s existing crypto futures, which already cover assets such as BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, AVAX and SUI.