Ethereum Eyes $5K Rally as CME Trading Hits Record High

The Ethereum derivatives market is experiencing an unprecedented acceleration. In July 2025, the volume of futures contracts listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) reached $118 billion, setting a record since their introduction. This surge reflects renewed institutional interest and could propel ETH to the top of the crypto market in August.

$118 billion on the CME: Ethereum smashes all its historic records

According to recent crypto data, the aggregated volume of Ethereum futures contracts on the CME increased dramatically in July to reach $118 billion. This level far exceeds previous peaks observed around $80 to $90 billion, recorded in November 2024 and January 2025.

This performance takes place in a context where the CME, a reference platform for professional investors, has established itself as an essential gateway to exposure to Ethereum. This volume increase reflects not only heightened activity but also an expansion of the participant base, ranging from hedge funds to traditional asset managers.

Record volumes and open interest at all-time highs: the institutional rush on Ethereum accelerates

Alongside the record $118 billion volume on the CME , the average monthly open interest on Ethereum, representing the total amount of open positions, rose to about $6 billion, its highest level ever recorded. This rise began in March 2025 and shows no signs of slowing.

The correlation between high volumes and rising open interest suggests recent Ethereum activity is not limited to short-term operations. On the contrary, it reflects a more durable positioning, often associated with institutional strategies. Indeed, these aim to leverage price movements over several weeks or months.

For market analysts, this combination of factors can be interpreted as a sign of strategic accumulation. This reinforces Ethereum’s role as a preferred asset in institutional crypto portfolios.

Ethereum at $5,000 in August? The signals igniting the crypto market

Can this renewed activity in the derivatives markets translate into a lasting bullish impulse for Ethereum? Historically, a simultaneous increase in volume and open interest on the CME has often preceded phases of marked volatility, both upward and downward. If the current momentum continues and institutional appetite holds, ETH could test $5000 in August.

However, this outlook will also depend on several external factors: 

• The evolution of macroeconomic conditions;
• Regulatory announcements; 
• Bitcoin movements, often driving bullish cycles across the entire crypto market.

With SharpLink buying $54 million in ETH and a historic $118 billion record on the CME, Ethereum now stands as the star of the derivatives markets. Institutional interest is growing and could trigger a new bullish cycle. August will therefore be decisive to see if crypto ETH is really aiming for an unprecedented peak.