CME Launches 100-Ounce Silver Futures Contract to Tap into Retail Trading Boom

On Tuesday, January 13, local time, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) announced on its official website that it plans to launch a 100-ounce silver futures contract on February 9, 2026, to meet record retail demand.

CME's official website has also updated the webpage for this new contract, with the code "SIC" on the Globex electronic trading system, and it is marked as "Launching on February 9." The page also states that the contract is "subject to regulatory review."

The overview reads, "Today, the robust silver market is more accessible than ever. SIC offers a low-cost, easy-to-use entry point, allowing you to trade a full silver position with less capital. Trading is available nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week."

CME stated in the description that this new contract enables traders to "control more resources with fewer resources," "avoid strict geographic requirements and expensive borrowing costs," and "achieve highly predictable risk management by understanding trading costs."

Compared with SIC, the contract size of the CME Silver Futures (SIH), i.e., the value of one contract, is 5,000 troy ounces; even the relatively small E-mini Silver (QIH) and Micro Silver (SILH) require 2,500 ounces and 1,000 ounces, respectively.

Contract Specifications for CME Silver Futures (SIH)

Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group, wrote in the press release: "Against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and the energy transition, silver is becoming increasingly attractive to retail investors seeking diversification and broader exposure to metals."

Hennig stated, "The 100-ounce silver futures will enhance accessibility for more participants, enabling them to benefit from the liquidity and efficiency offered by our futures markets."

JB Mackenzie, Vice President and General Manager of Futures and International Business at Robinhood Markets, said that this new futures contract aligns with their philosophy of building a trading platform, providing customers with a way to participate in silver trading with less capital.

Robinhood Markets operates the trading software Robinhood, which is highly regarded by US retail investors. The platform once sparked a meme stock investment frenzy in the US stock market and is known as the "stronghold of US retail investors."

Mackenzie added, "This contract makes participating in the silver market easier and offers traders greater flexibility."

Isaac Cahana, CEO of the futures trading platform Plus500US, stated: "Amid strong silver demand, we are pleased to see CME expanding its small-sized contract offerings.""This new contract will enable our global clients to seize silver opportunities in a more flexible and cost-effective manner."

According to CME data, in 2025, driven by retail demand, the trading volume of CME metal futures reached a record high. Among them, the daily average trading volume of micro gold futures reached 301,000 contracts, and the aforementioned micro silver futures reached 48,000 contracts, both setting annual records.

The statement specifically mentioned that the 1-ounce gold futures contract launched on January 13, 2025, also accumulated over 6 million trades.