US Futures Market Review: Q2-2018

US futures and options-on-futures volumes maintained their strong momentum from the first quarter into the second quarter. A lack of volatility and seasonality, however, contributed to a slight drop in US futures volumes, from 1.2 billion contracts in the first quarter to just over 1.0 billion in the second quarter. Options-on-futures volume also remained strong, with Interest Rate and Equity futures markets leading the industry growth. The number of Futures Commissions Merchants remained at 62 at the end of the quarter, in line with our previous report. FCM assets rose slightly over the balance of the quarter.

TABB Group’s Futures Market Review analyzes quarterly trends in the futures and options-on-futures markets in the US and offers a brief global overview. In addition, we provide details on swap and volatility futures contracts, as well as a comprehensive ranking of the top 25 FCMs as determined by customer segregated balances held on their books.