CME Group Natural Gas Futures Reach Record Open Interest
On September 1, 2026, Henry Hub natural gas futures on the CME Group reached an all-time high open interest of 1,807,497 contracts. This surpassed the previous record set in November 2024 and reflects increased market activity driven by anticipation of winter volatility, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in global LNG supply dynamics. Peter Keavey, Global Head of Energy and Environmental Products at CME Group, noted that clients are increasingly using energy futures to hedge against risks posed by a Super El Niño event, rising LNG output, and Middle East-related uncertainties. The record open interest is part of a broader trend: the first half of 2026 saw an 11% increase in average daily volume for CME Group's energy business. CME Group remains focused on providing continuous liquidity to support effective hedging strategies across volatile market conditions.
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