Bitcoin trading has begun on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, following closely behind the Chicago Board Options exchange. Whereas the CBOE contract is based on a closing price from the Gemini exchange, the CME contract price will be culled from multiple exchanges.
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Bitcoin futures trading starts on the CME exchange
Analysts believe CME's entry into the Bitcoin market will generate more interest in the crypto-currency, possibly pushing the price higher. The CBOE futures contract is based on a closing price of Bitcoin from the Gemini exchange, which is owned and operated by virtual currency entrepreneurs and brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. However, the CME contract price will be culled from multiple exchanges, potentially offering investors more transparency about the value. "The CME [futures] contract is based on a broader array of exchanges," said Matt Osborne, chief investment officer of Altegris, which has $2.5bn in alternative investments. "So there is a possibility that the CME contract may generate more interest and more volume. "Volumes are going to slowly increase as professional traders get comfortable with the price action and more importantly get comfortable with the volatility."
