CME Group has expanded its cryptocurrency derivatives lineup with the launch of spot-quoted XRP and Solana futures, signaling growing institutional interest in alternative digital assets. The new products extend CME’s existing spot-quoted Bitcoin and Ether futures, which have recorded strong trading activity since their introduction earlier this year. According to the press release , by adding XRP and Solana, CME aims to meet rising demand for precision-based crypto exposure among active traders and long-term investors. Besides broadening its crypto offering, CME positioned these contracts as part of a wider suite that also includes spot-quoted futures tied to major U.S. equity indices. These include the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, Russell 2000, and Dow Jones Industrial Average. Consequently, traders can now manage futures positions using spot-market pricing while benefiting from longer-dated expiries. This structure reduces the need for frequent contract rolls, which often increase trading costs. Smaller Contracts Target Everyday Traders CME structured the XRP and Solana futures as its smallest crypto contracts to date. Significantly, the reduced size allows traders to fine-tune exposure and manage risk more efficiently. Market participants can hold positions aligned with longer-term views or adjust trades more frequently without rollover pressure. Additionally, spot-quoted Bitcoin and Ether futures continue to show strong participation. Since launch, average daily volume reached 11,300 contracts. That figure increased to 18,400 contracts during the fourth quarter. December activity climbed further to 35,300 contracts. Moreover, CME recorded a peak trading day of 60,700 combined contracts in late November, reflecting sustained market engagement. Solana Price Tests Key Support Zone While CME expands derivatives access, Solana price action remains under pressure. SOL traded near $125 after declining more than 3% over the past day. Weekly losses exceeded 6%, keeping price locked inside a broader consolidation range following the drop from the $250 to $260 highs. Source: X However, market structure still shows defined technical levels. The $120 to $125 region continues to act as a critical support zone. This area aligns with prior consolidation and high-volume trading. Consequently, repeated defenses of this range suggest ongoing buyer interest despite weak momentum. Altcoin Sherpa noted that $120 remains the key level to watch. The analyst warned that a clear breakdown could accelerate losses toward the psychological $100 zone. That level previously attracted strong demand. Hence, downside risk remains elevated if support fails. Conversely, a sustained move above $135 could ease selling pressure and open the door toward $150.
