CME Group Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates contract markets for the trading of futures and options on futures contracts worldwide. It offers futures and options products based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, agricultural commodities, energy, and metals, as well as fixed income and foreign currency trading services. The company also provides clearing house services, including clearing, settling, and guaranteeing futures and options contracts, and cleared swaps products traded through its exchanges; and trade processing and risk mitigation services. In addition, the company offers a range of market data services, including real-time and historical data services. It serves professional traders, financial institutions, institutional and individual investors, corporations, manufacturers, producers, governments, and central banks. The company was formerly known as Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc. and changed its name to CME Group Inc. in July 2007. The company was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

CME Group Inc.

Fintel reports that on October 23, 2025, Morgan Stanley maintained coverage of CME Group (NasdaqGS:CME) with a Overweight recommendation.
Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 8.68% Upside
As of September 29, 2025, the average one-year price target for CME Group is $292.20/share. The forecasts range from a low of $214.12 to a high of $328.65. The average price target represents an increase of 8.68% from its latest reported closing price of $268.85 / share.
See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside.
The projected annual revenue for CME Group is 5,569MM, a decrease of 12.81%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 9.10.
What is the Fund Sentiment?
There are 2,733 funds or institutions reporting positions in CME Group. This is an increase of 89 owner(s) or 3.37% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to CME is 0.53%, an increase of 6.75%. Total shares owned by institutions decreased in the last three months by 1.16% to 376,622K shares. The put/call ratio of CME is 0.79, indicating a bullish outlook.
What are Other Shareholders Doing?
Jpmorgan Chase holds 12,286K shares representing 3.41% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 12,574K shares , representing a decrease of 2.34%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 9.09% over the last quarter.
VTSMX - Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares holds 11,591K shares representing 3.22% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 11,390K shares , representing an increase of 1.73%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 5.67% over the last quarter.
VFINX - Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares holds 10,229K shares representing 2.84% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 10,012K shares , representing an increase of 2.11%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 5.71% over the last quarter.
Geode Capital Management holds 9,179K shares representing 2.55% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 8,859K shares , representing an increase of 3.49%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 49.10% over the last quarter.
Capital World Investors holds 8,617K shares representing 2.39% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 9,726K shares , representing a decrease of 12.88%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 17.42% over the last quarter.
Fintel is one of the most comprehensive investing research platforms available to individual investors, traders, financial advisors, and small hedge funds.
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This story originally appeared on Fintel.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Morgan Stanley Maintains CME Group (CME) Overweight Recommendation

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.38%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.12%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.61%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) are up +0.34%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) are up +0.59%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today, led by strength in energy producers after WTI crude oil jumped more than +5% when the US blacklisted state-run Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, Russia’s largest oil producers, which threatens to tighten global oil supplies. Also, Dow Inc. is up more than +8% after reporting stronger-than-expected Q3 adjusted operating Ebitda. In addition, Honeywell International is up more than +7% after reporting better-than-expected Q3 sales.
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Stocks also found support on today’s US economic news that showed Sep existing home sales rose +1.5% m/m to a 7-month high of 4.06 million, right on expectations.
On the negative side, Molina Healthcare is down more than -20% to lead health insurers lower after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS forecast. Also, International Business Machines is down more than -4% after reporting a smaller-than-expected increase in its Q3 hybrid cloud unit. In addition, Tesla is down more than -3% after reporting Q3 EPS below consensus.
Late Wednesday, the Trump administration announced sanctions on Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, Russia’s biggest oil producers, due to “Russia’s lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine.” The new sanctions could bar foreign countries or companies from conducting business with the oil companies and cut them off from much of the international financial system.
The markets are focusing on progress in US-China trade talks, as President Trump reiterated his threat on Monday to boost tariffs on Chinese goods “if there isn’t a deal” by November 1. President Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next week on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in South Korea.
The shutdown of the US government continues into its fourth week, weighing on market sentiment and delaying key economic reports. The government shutdown means delays in the release of government reports, including the last four weeks of weekly initial unemployment claims and the September payroll report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said the September consumer price report, which was initially scheduled to be released last Wednesday, will be released this Friday. The White House has warned that if the government shutdown lingers, it would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don’t align with President Trump’s priorities. Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed during the shutdown, which would expand jobless claims and push the unemployment rate up to 4.7%.
The markets this week will focus on earnings results as the Q3 earnings season continues. Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, 85% of the S&P 500 companies that have reported so far have beaten forecasts, on course for the best quarter since 2021. Also, more than 22% of companies in the S&P 500 that have provided guidance for their Q3 earnings results are expected to beat analysts’ expectations, the highest in a year. However, Q3 profits are expected to have risen by +7.2% y/y, the smallest increase in two years. Also, Q3 sales growth is projected to slow to +5.9% y/y from 6.4% in Q2.
The markets are pricing in a 99% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.44%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed up +0.22%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -1.35%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) today are down -7 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +3.2 bp to 3.982%. T-notes are under pressure today amid inflation concerns, as a +5% surge in WTI crude oil prices has boosted inflation expectations and pushed the 10-year breakeven inflation rate to a 1-week high of 2.309%. Also, supply pressures are negative for T-notes as the Treasury will auction $26 billion of 5-year TIPS later today.
T-notes have ongoing support due to the ongoing US government shutdown, which could lead to additional job losses, reduced consumer spending, and a weakened US economy, potentially allowing the Fed to continue cutting interest rates.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +1.6 bp to 2.579%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.5 bp to 4.413%.
The Eurozone Oct consumer confidence indicator survey unexpectedly rose +0.7 to an 8-month high of -14.2, stronger than expectations of a decline to -15.0.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Energy stocks and energy service providers are climbing today, with the price of WTI crude oil up more than +5% at a 2-week high. Valero Energy (VLO) is up more than +7% and APA Corp (APA) is up more than +6%. Also, Diamondback Energy (FANG) is up more than +4%, and Marathon Petroleum (MPC) is up more than +3%. In addition, Devon Energy (DVN), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), ConocoPhillips (COP), Halliburton (HAL), Phillips 66 (PSX), and Baker Hughes (BKR) are up more than +2%.
Quantum-computing stocks are rallying today after the Wall Street Journal reported that the firms are in talks to give the Commerce Department equity stakes in exchange for federal funding. As a result, IonQ (IONQ), Rigetti Computing (RGTI), D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), and Quantum Computing (QUBT) are up more than +9%.
Molina Healthcare (MOH) is down more than -20% to lead health insurers lower and losers in the S&P 500 after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $14.00 from a previous estimate of $19.00, well below the consensus of $18.65. Also, Centene (CNC) and Oscar Health (OSCR) are down more than -6%. In addition, United Health Services (UHS) and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) are down more than -1%.
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is up more than +12% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net revenue of $3.33 billion, above he consensus of $3.04 billion.
West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) is up more than +11% after raising its full-year adjusted EPS estimate to $7.06-$7.11 from a previous forecast of $6.65-$6.85.
Dow Inc. (DOW) is up more than +9% after reporting Q3 adjusted operating Ebitda of $868 million, well above the consensus of $759.7 million.
Honeywell International (HON) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q3 sales of $10.41 billion, stronger than the consensus of $10.15 billion.
TransUnion (TRU) is up more than +3% after reporting Q3 adjusted EPS of $1.10, better than the consensus of $1.05.
CME Group (CME) is up more than +1% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $300.
Super Micro Computer (SMCI) is down more than -7% after reporting Q1 preliminary sales of $5.00 billion, well below the consensus of $6.49 billion.
Roper Technologies (ROP) is down more than -6% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after forecasting Q4 adjusted EPS from continuing operations $5.11 to $5.16, weaker than the consensus of $5.24.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is down by more than -6% after reporting Q3 operating revenue of $6.90 billion, below the consensus of $6.92 billion.
International Business Machines (IBM) is down more than -3% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting a +14% increase in its Q3 hybrid cloud unit, below the consensus of +16%.
Tesla (TSLA) is down more than -2% after reporting Q3 EPS of 50 cents, weaker than the consensus of 54 cents.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) is down more than -3% after reporting Q3 revenue of $21.96 billion, weaker than the consensus of $21.98 billion.
Moderna (MRNA) is down more than -1% after saying its vaccine to prevent cytomegalovirus, a common cause of birth defects, failed to meet its goal in a late-stage trial.
Earnings Reports(10/23/2025)
Alaska Air Group Inc (ALK), Allegion plc (ALLE), American Airlines Group Inc (AAL), AutoNation Inc (AN), Baker Hughes Co (BKR), Blackstone Inc (BX), Boston Beer Co Inc/The (SAM), Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD), Brunswick Corp/DE (BC), Carpenter Technology Corp (CRS), CBRE Group Inc (CBRE), CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP), Comfort Systems USA Inc (FIX), Darling Ingredients Inc (DAR), Deckers Outdoor Corp (DECK), Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR), Dover Corp (DOV), Dow Inc (DOW), EastGroup Properties Inc (EGP), Euronet Worldwide Inc (EEFT), First Citizens BancShares Inc/ (FCNCA), Ford Motor Co (F), Freeport-McMoRan Inc (FCX), FTI Consulting Inc (FCN), Hasbro Inc (HAS), Healthpeak Properties Inc (DOC), Honeywell International Inc (HON), Intel Corp (INTC), Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM), Kinsale Capital Group Inc (KNSL), Lazard Inc (LAZ), Millrose Properties Inc (MRP), Mohawk Industries Inc (MHK), MSC Industrial Direct Co Inc (MSM), Newmont Corp (NEM), Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC), Old Republic International Cor (ORI), PG&E Corp (PCG), Pool Corp (POOL), Popular Inc (BPOP), Roper Technologies Inc (ROP), Ryder System Inc (R), SLM Corp (SLM), Spirit AeroSystems Holdings In (SPR), SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc (SSNC), TechnipFMC PLC (FTI), Textron Inc (TXT), T-Mobile US Inc (TMUS), Tractor Supply Co (TSCO), TransUnion (TRU), Union Pacific Corp (UNP), Valero Energy Corp (VLO), VeriSign Inc (VRSN), West Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST), Western Union Co/The (WU).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Supported by Strength in Energy Producers and Earnings

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.32%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.18%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.33%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) are up +0.35%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) are up +0.35%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today, led by strength in energy producers after WTI crude oil jumped more than +5% when the US blacklisted state-run Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, Russia's largest oil producers, which threatens to tighten global oil supplies. Also, Dow Inc. is up more than +11% after reporting stronger-than-expected Q3 adjusted operating Ebitda. In addition, Honeywell International is up more than +5% after reporting better-than-expected Q3 sales.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
On the negative side, Molina Healthcare is down more than -20% to lead health insurers lower after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS forecast. Also, International Business Machines is down more than -4% after reporting a smaller-than-expected increase in its Q3 hybrid cloud unit. In addition, Tesla is down more than -3% after reporting Q3 EPS below consensus.
Late Wednesday, the Trump administration announced sanctions on Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, Russia's biggest oil producers, due to "Russia's lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine." The new sanctions could bar foreign countries or companies from conducting business with the oil companies and cut them off from much of the international financial system.
The markets are focusing on progress in US-China trade talks, as President Trump reiterated his threat on Monday to boost tariffs on Chinese goods "if there isn't a deal" by November 1. President Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next week on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in South Korea.
The shutdown of the US government continues into its fourth week, weighing on market sentiment and delaying key economic reports. The government shutdown means delays in the release of government reports, including the last four weeks of weekly initial unemployment claims and the September payroll report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said the September consumer price report, which was initially scheduled to be released last Wednesday, will be released this Friday. The White House has warned that if the government shutdown lingers, it would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don't align with President Trump's priorities. Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed during the shutdown, which would expand jobless claims and push the unemployment rate up to 4.7%.
The markets this week will focus on earnings results as the Q3 earnings season continues. Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, 85% of the S&P 500 companies that have reported so far have beaten forecasts, on course for the best quarter since 2021. Also, more than 22% of companies in the S&P 500 that have provided guidance for their Q3 earnings results are expected to beat analysts' expectations, the highest in a year. However, Q3 profits are expected to have risen by +7.2% y/y, the smallest increase in two years. Also, Q3 sales growth is projected to slow to +5.9% y/y from 6.4% in Q2.
The markets are pricing in a 99% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.17%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.22%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -1.35%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) today are down -8 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +3.4 bp to 3.984%. T-notes are under pressure today due to inflation concerns, as a +5% surge in WTI crude oil prices has boosted inflation expectations and pushed the 10-year breakeven inflation rate up to a 1-week high of 2.309%. Also, supply pressures are negative for T-notes as the Treasury will auction $26 billion of 5-year TIPS later today.
T-notes have ongoing support due to the ongoing US government shutdown, which could lead to additional job losses, reduced consumer spending, and a weakened US economy, potentially allowing the Fed to continue cutting interest rates.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +1.6 bp to 2.579%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +0.8 bp to 4.425%.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Energy stocks and energy service providers are climbing today, with the price of WTI crude oil up more than +5% at a 2-week high. APA Corp (APA) is up more than +6% and Valero Energy (VLO) is up more than +5%. Also, Diamondback Energy (FANG) and Devon Energy (DVN) are up more than +4%, and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and ConocoPhillips (COP) are up more than +3%. In addition, Halliburton (HAL), Phillips 66 (PSX), and Baker Hughes (BKR) are up more than +2%.
Quantum-computing stocks are rallying today after the Wall Street Journal reported that the firms are in talks to give the Commerce Department equity stakes in exchange for federal funding. As a result, IonQ (IONQ), Rigetti Computing (RGTI), D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), and Quantum Computing (QUBT) are up more than +6%.
Molina Healthcare (MOH) is down more than -20% to lead health insurers lower and losers in the S&P 500 after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $14.00 from a previous estimate of $19.00, well below the consensus of $18.65. Also, Centene (CNC) and Oscar Health (OSCR) are down more than -7%. In addition, Humana (HUM) is down -2%, and Elevance Health (ELV), United Health Services (UHS), and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) are down more than -1%.
West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) is up more than +12% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after raising its full-year adjusted EPS estimate to $7.06-$7.11 from a previous forecast of $6.65-$6.85.
Dow Inc. (DOW) is up more than +11% after reporting Q3 adjusted operating Ebitda of $868 million, well above the consensus of $759.7 million.
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is up more than +9% after reporting Q3 net revenue of $3.33 billion, above he consensus of $3.04 billion.
Honeywell International (HON) is up more than +5% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q3 sales of $10.41 billion, stronger than the consensus of $10.15 billion.
TransUnion (TRU) is up more than +3% after reporting Q3 adjusted EPS of $1.10, better than the consensus of $1.05.
CME Group (CME) is up more than +1% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $300.
Roper Technologies (ROP) is down more than -7% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after forecasting Q4 adjusted EPS from continuing operations $5.11 to $5.16, weaker than the consensus of $5.24.
International Business Machines (IBM) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting a +14% increase in its Q3 hybrid cloud unit, below the consensus of +16%.
Tesla (TSLA) is down more than -3% after reporting Q3 EPS of 50 cents, weaker than the consensus of 54 cents.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is down by more than -3% after reporting Q3 operating revenue of $6.90 billion, below the consensus of $6.92 billion.
Tractor Supply Co (TSCO) is down more than -3% after narrowing its full-year comparable sales forecast to +1.4% to +2.4% from a previous forecast of 0% to +4.0%.
Packaging Corp (PKG) is down more than -1% after reporting Q3 adjusted EPS of $2.73, below the consensus of $2.82.
Moderna (MRNA) is down more than -4% after saying its vaccine to prevent cytomegalovirus, a common cause of birth defects, failed to meet its goal in a late-stage trial.
Earnings Reports(10/23/2025)
Alaska Air Group Inc (ALK), Allegion plc (ALLE), American Airlines Group Inc (AAL), AutoNation Inc (AN), Baker Hughes Co (BKR), Blackstone Inc (BX), Boston Beer Co Inc/The (SAM), Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD), Brunswick Corp/DE (BC), Carpenter Technology Corp (CRS), CBRE Group Inc (CBRE), CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP), Comfort Systems USA Inc (FIX), Darling Ingredients Inc (DAR), Deckers Outdoor Corp (DECK), Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR), Dover Corp (DOV), Dow Inc (DOW), EastGroup Properties Inc (EGP), Euronet Worldwide Inc (EEFT), First Citizens BancShares Inc/ (FCNCA), Ford Motor Co (F), Freeport-McMoRan Inc (FCX), FTI Consulting Inc (FCN), Hasbro Inc (HAS), Healthpeak Properties Inc (DOC), Honeywell International Inc (HON), Intel Corp (INTC), Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM), Kinsale Capital Group Inc (KNSL), Lazard Inc (LAZ), Millrose Properties Inc (MRP), Mohawk Industries Inc (MHK), MSC Industrial Direct Co Inc (MSM), Newmont Corp (NEM), Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC), Old Republic International Cor (ORI), PG&E Corp (PCG), Pool Corp (POOL), Popular Inc (BPOP), Roper Technologies Inc (ROP), Ryder System Inc (R), SLM Corp (SLM), Spirit AeroSystems Holdings In (SPR), SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc (SSNC), TechnipFMC PLC (FTI), Textron Inc (TXT), T-Mobile US Inc (TMUS), Tractor Supply Co (TSCO), TransUnion (TRU), Union Pacific Corp (UNP), Valero Energy Corp (VLO), VeriSign Inc (VRSN), West Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST), Western Union Co/The (WU).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Climb on Strength in Energy Producers

CME Group Inc. CME reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $2.68, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.9%. The bottom line remains unchanged year over year.
Quarterly results reflected declining revenues due to lower clearing and transaction fees and other, as well as lower trading volumes.
CME Group Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Performance in Detail
CME Group’s revenues of $1.5 billion decreased 2.9% year over year. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to lower clearing and transaction fees and other factors. The top line matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Total expenses rose 0.8% year over year to $565 million, attributable to higher compensation and benefits, technology, professional fees, and outside services. It exceeded our estimate of $505.6 million.
Operating income decreased 5% from the prior-year quarter to $972.6 million. Our estimate was $1 billion.
Average daily volume (ADV) was a record 25.3 million contracts, down 10.4% year over year. ADV decreased across Energy, Foreign exchange, Equity indexes, and Interest rates product lines. The total average rate per contract was 70.2 cents.
Financial Update
As of Sept. 30, 2025, CME Group had $3.6 billion of cash and marketable securities, down 8.5% from the 2024-end level. As of Sept. 30, 2025, long-term debt was $3.4 billion, up 27.7% from 2024-end. As of Sept. 30, 2025, CME had shareholders' equity worth $28.2 billion, up 6.4% from the end of 2024.
Capital Deployment
CME Group paid out $3.5 billion in dividends during the first nine months of 2025, taking the payout to $29.5 billion since the implementation of the variable dividend policy in early 2012.
Zacks Rank
CME Group currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Another Peer Release
Nasdaq, Inc. NDAQ reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 88 cents, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.8%. The bottom line improved 18.9% year over year. The improvement was mainly driven by higher revenues across three divisions and organic growth, partially offset by higher expenses. Nasdaq’s net revenues of $1.3 billion increased 15% year over year.
Organic net revenue growth was 11%. The top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.7%. Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) increased 10% year over year to $3 billion. Organic growth was 9%. Annualized SaaS revenues increased 12% and represented 38% of ARR.
Upcoming Releases
Intercontinental Exchange Inc. ICE is set to report third-quarter 2025 results on Oct. 30, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $1.61, suggesting an increase of 3.8% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure.
ICE’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and met in one.
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. CBOE is set to report third-quarter 2025 results on Oct. 31, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $2.44, suggesting an increase of 9.9% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure.
CBOE’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed in one.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

CME Group Q3 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Revenues Decline Y/Y

(RTTNews) - CME Group, Inc. (CME) released earnings for third quarter that Decreased from the same period last year but beat the Street estimates.
The company's bottom line came in at $896.6 million, or $2.49 per share. This compares with $901.3 million, or $2.50 per share, last year.
Excluding items, CME Group, Inc. reported adjusted earnings of $966.1 million or $2.68 per share for the period.
Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $2.63 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
The company's revenue for the period fell 3.0% to $1.537 billion from $1.584 billion last year.
CME Group, Inc. earnings at a glance (GAAP) :
-Earnings: $896.6 Mln. vs. $901.3 Mln. last year. -EPS: $2.49 vs. $2.50 last year. -Revenue: $1.537 Bln vs. $1.584 Bln last year.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

CME Group, Inc. Q3 Profit Decreases, But Beats Estimates

The following companies are expected to report earnings prior to market open on 10/22/2025. Visit our Earnings Calendar for a full list of expected earnings releases.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (TMO)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The medical instruments company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 10 analysts that follow the stock is $5.50. This value represents a 4.17% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year TMO has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 2.68%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for TMO is 24.17 vs. an industry ratio of 7.00, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
AT&T Inc. (T)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The wireless (national) company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 6 analysts that follow the stock is $0.55. This value represents a 8.33% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. T missed the consensus earnings per share in the 1st calendar quarter of 2025 by -1.92%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for T is 12.73 vs. an industry ratio of 5.40, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
GE Vernova Inc. (GEV)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The alternative energy company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 7 analysts that follow the stock is $1.78. This value represents a 408.57% increase compared to the same quarter last year. GEV missed the consensus earnings per share in the 4th calendar quarter of 2024 by -25.43%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for GEV is 77.45 vs. an industry ratio of 145.00.
Amphenol Corporation (APH)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The electrical connectors company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 6 analysts that follow the stock is $0.79. This value represents a 58.00% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year APH has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 22.73%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for APH is 42.14 vs. an industry ratio of 42.20.
Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The medical products company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 10 analysts that follow the stock is $0.71. This value represents a 12.70% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year BSX has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 4.17%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for BSX is 33.73 vs. an industry ratio of 7.90, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
CME Group Inc. (CME)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The securities exchange company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 8 analysts that follow the stock is $2.63. This value represents a 1.87% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year CME has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 1.72%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for CME is 24.22 vs. an industry ratio of 23.70, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Moody's Corporation (MCO)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The financial services company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 8 analysts that follow the stock is $3.70. This value represents a 15.26% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year MCO has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 3.49%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for MCO is 33.67 vs. an industry ratio of 18.70, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Vertiv Holdings, LLC (VRT)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The information technology services company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 7 analysts that follow the stock is $1.00. This value represents a 31.58% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year VRT has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 14.46%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for VRT is 45.76 vs. an industry ratio of 15.20, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The hotel company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 6 analysts that follow the stock is $2.04. This value represents a 6.25% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year HLT has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 7.84%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for HLT is 32.84 vs. an industry ratio of 21.10, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The transportation company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 4 analysts that follow the stock is $2.27. This value represents a 13.50% increase compared to the same quarter last year. WAB missed the consensus earnings per share in the 4th calendar quarter of 2024 by -2.89%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for WAB is 22.04 vs. an industry ratio of 15.50, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (TDY)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The aerospace and defense company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 5 analysts that follow the stock is $5.50. This value represents a 7.84% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year TDY has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 3.59%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for TDY is 26.62 vs. an industry ratio of 56.90.
Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS)is reporting for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. The bank company's consensus earnings per share forecast from the 7 analysts that follow the stock is $2.26. This value represents a 15.31% increase compared to the same quarter last year. In the past year NTRS has beat the expectations every quarter. The highest one was in the 2nd calendar quarter where they beat the consensus by 2.4%. Zacks Investment Research reports that the 2025 Price to Earnings ratio for NTRS is 14.93 vs. an industry ratio of 12.40, implying that they will have a higher earnings growth than their competitors in the same industry.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Pre-Market Earnings Report for October 22, 2025 : TMO, T, GEV, APH, BSX, CME, MCO, VRT, HLT, WAB, TDY, NTRS

Nasdaq NDAQ reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 88 cents, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.8%. The bottom line improved 18.9% year over year. The improvement was mainly driven by higher revenues across three divisions and organic growth, partially offset by higher expenses.
Shares gained 0.9% in the pre-market trading session to reflect the outperformance.
Performance in Detail
Nasdaq’s net revenues of $1.3 billion increased 15% year over year. Organic net revenue growth was 11%. The top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.7%.
Nasdaq, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) increased 10% year over year to $3 billion. Organic growth was 9%. Annualized SaaS revenues increased 12% and represented 38% of ARR.
Capital Access Platforms' revenues, adjusted, were $546 million, up 9% year over year. The increase was primarily driven by higher revenues from all business lines. Our estimate was $531.1 million.
Financial Technology revenues, adjusted, were $457 million, up 23.2%, also driven by higher revenues from all business lines. Our estimate was $421.8 million.
Revenues at the Solutions business increased 15% year over year to $1 billion, reflecting strong growth from Index and Financial Technology.
Market Services' net revenues increased 7.4% year over year to $303 million. Our estimate was $294 million.
Adjusted operating expenses were $583 million, up 7.4% from the year-ago period or 5% growth on an organic basis. The organic increase for the quarter reflected increased investments in technology and people to drive innovation and long-term growth, partially offset by the benefit of synergies. Our estimate for operating expenses was $581.6 million.
Adjusted operating income of $732 million was up 14.9% year over year. Our estimate was $674.4 million.
The company’s operating margin of 56% expanded 200 basis points year over year.
The Nasdaq stock market welcomed 205 new company listings, including 76 initial public offerings. The number of listed companies was 4,359 at the end of the quarter.
Financial Update
Nasdaq had cash and cash equivalents of $697 million as of Sept. 30, 2025, which increased 11.9% from the end of 2024.
Long-term debt was $8.7 billion as of Sept. 30, 2025, a decrease of 4.6% from the end of 2024.
Nasdaq generated $221 million in cash flow from operations in the reported quarter.
Capital Deployment
Nasdaq returned $155 million to shareholders through dividends, repurchased $115 million of common stock, and repurchased $69 million of senior unsecured notes in the third quarter of 2025.
The board of directors approved a dividend of 27 cents per share. The dividend will be paid out on Dec. 19, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 5, 2025. As of Sept. 30, 2025, $1.4 billion remained under the board-authorized share repurchase program.
2025 Guidance
Nasdaq expects 2025 non-GAAP operating expenses to be in the range of $2,305-$2,335 million compared with $2,295-$2,325 million guided earlier.
Nasdaq forecasts the 2025 non-GAAP tax rate to be in the range of 22.5-23.5%.
Zacks Rank
NDAQ currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Upcoming Releases
CME Group CME is set to report third-quarter 2025 results on Oct. 22, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $2.63, suggesting a decrease of 1.9% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure.
CME’s earnings beat estimates in each of the last four quarters.
Intercontinental Exchange ICE is set to report third-quarter 2025 results on Oct. 30, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $1.62, suggesting an increase of 4.5% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure.
ICE’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and met in one.
Cboe Global Markets CBOE is set to report third-quarter 2025 results on Oct. 31, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $2.42, suggesting an increase of 9% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure.
CBOE’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed in one.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include
Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience
Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip
Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market
Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth
Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring
Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

NDAQ Q3 Earnings & Revenues Top Estimates, Expense View Tweaked

The following are the top rated Financial stocks according to Validea's Growth Investor model based on the published strategy of Martin Zweig. This strategy looks for growth stocks with persistent accelerating earnings and sales growth, reasonable valuations and low debt.
INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP, INC. (IBKR) is a large-cap growth stock in the Investment Services industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Martin Zweig is 100% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. is an automated global electronic broker. The Company custodies and services accounts for hedge and mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), registered investment advisors, proprietary trading groups, introducing brokers and individual investors. It specializes in routing orders and executing and processing trades in stocks, options, futures, foreign exchange instruments (forex), bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, precious metals, and forecast contracts on more than 160 electronic exchanges and market centers in 36 countries and 28 currencies around the world. In addition, its customers can use its trading platform to trade certain cryptocurrencies through third-party cryptocurrency service providers that execute, clear and custody the cryptocurrencies. Its trading platforms include IBKR Desktop, IBKR Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile, IBKR Client Portal and others. Its key product offerings include IBKR Pro, IBKR Lite, and IBKR Universal Account.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
CURRENT QUARTER EARNINGS:
PASS
EPS GROWTH FOR CURRENT QUARTER MUST BE GREATER THAN THE HISTORICAL GROWTH RATE:
PASS
Detailed Analysis of INTERACTIVE BROKERS GROUP, INC.
CME GROUP INC (CME) is a large-cap growth stock in the Investment Services industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Martin Zweig is 92% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: CME Group Inc. provides a derivatives marketplace. The Company enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and over the counter (OTC) markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data. It exchanges offer a range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange (FX), energy, agricultural products and metals. It offers futures and options on futures trading through the CME Globex platform, fixed income trading via BrokerTec and FX trading on the EBS platform. In addition, it operates central counterparty clearing provider, CME Clearing. Its products provide a means for hedging, speculation and asset allocation related to the risks associated with, among other things, interest rate sensitive instruments, and changes in the prices of agricultural, energy and metal commodities. It provides clearing and settlement services for a range of exchange-traded futures and options on futures contracts and OTC derivatives.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
CURRENT QUARTER EARNINGS:
PASS
EPS GROWTH FOR CURRENT QUARTER MUST BE GREATER THAN THE HISTORICAL GROWTH RATE:
PASS
Detailed Analysis of CME GROUP INC
GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC (GS) is a large-cap growth stock in the Investment Services industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Martin Zweig is 85% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a global financial institution that delivers a range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Its segments include Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management and Platform Solutions. The Global Banking & Markets segment offers a range of services, including financing, advisory services, risk distribution, and hedging for its institutional and corporate clients. It facilitates client transactions and makes markets in fixed income, equity, currency and commodity products. The Asset & Wealth Management segment manages assets and offers investment products across all asset classes to a diverse set of clients. It also provides investing and wealth advisory solutions. The Platform Solutions segment includes consumer platforms, such as partnerships offering credit cards and point-of-sale financing, and transaction banking and other platform businesses.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
Detailed Analysis of GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC
FIRST MID BANCSHARES INC (FMBH) is a small-cap value stock in the Money Center Banks industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Martin Zweig is 85% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company. It provides a full suite of financial services, including banking, wealth management, brokerage, Ag services, and insurance through a sizeable network of locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin. It is engaged in the business of banking through its subsidiary, First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A. It offers insurance products and services to customers through its subsidiary, First Mid Insurance Group, Inc. It offers trust, farm services, investment services, and retirement planning through its subsidiary, First Mid Wealth Management Company. The Company also owns a captive insurance company, First Mid Captive, Inc. Through First Mid Bank, the Company owns an investment subsidiary, First Mid Investments, Inc. In addition, it owns five statutory business trusts, First Mid-Illinois Statutory Trust II, Clover Leaf Statutory Trust I, FBTC Statutory Trust I, Blackhawk Statutory Trust I, and Blackhawk Statutory Trust II.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
EPS GROWTH FOR CURRENT QUARTER MUST BE GREATER THAN THE HISTORICAL GROWTH RATE:
PASS
Detailed Analysis of FIRST MID BANCSHARES INC
FIRST HAWAIIAN INC (FHB) is a mid-cap value stock in the Money Center Banks industry. The rating according to our strategy based on Martin Zweig is 85% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
Company Description: First Hawaiian, Inc. is a bank holding company. Its principal subsidiary is First Hawaiian Bank (the Bank). The Bank provides a range of banking services to consumer and commercial customers, including deposit products, lending services and wealth management and trust services. Its segments include Retail Banking, Commercial Banking and Treasury and Other. Its Retail Banking segment includes the financial products and services it provides to consumers and small businesses. Its Retail Banking segment also includes its wealth management services. Its Commercial Banking segment includes its corporate banking-related products, commercial real estate loans, commercial lease financing, secured and unsecured lines of credit, automobile loans and auto dealer financing, business deposit products and credit cards. Its Treasury and Other segment include its treasury business, which consists of corporate asset and liability management activities, including interest rate risk management.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
Detailed Analysis of FIRST HAWAIIAN INC
About Martin Zweig: During the 15 years that it was monitored, Zweig's stock recommendation newsletter returned an average of 15.9 percent per year, during which time it was ranked number one based on risk-adjusted returns by Hulbert Financial Digest. Zweig has managed both mutual and hedge funds during his career, and he's put the fortune he's compiled to some interesting uses. He has owned what Forbes reported was the most expensive apartment in New York, a $70 million penthouse that sits atop Manhattan's Pierre Hotel, and he is a collector of all sorts of pop culture and historical memorabilia -- among his purchases are the gun used by Clint Eastwood in "Dirty Harry", a stock certificate signed by Commodore Vanderbilt, and even two old-fashioned gas pumps similar to those he'd seen at a nearby gas station while growing up in Cleveland, according to published reports.
About Validea: Validea is aninvestment researchservice that follows the published strategies of investment legends. Validea offers both stock analysis and model portfolios based on gurus who have outperformed the market over the long-term, including Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, Peter Lynch and Martin Zweig. For more information about Validea, click here
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Validea's Top Financial Stocks Based On Martin Zweig - 10/20/2025

Key Points
Solana has performed well during the past 12 months, and it can continue to do so.
Regulatory catalysts are one reason to be optimistic about its future.
Asset managers are also continuing to stoke demand for the coin.
In crypto, strength often begets more strength. Waiting forever for the perfect dip to buy can be more expensive than paying up for the asset that keeps earning new reasons for capital to flow in. If the reasons persist or multiply, yesterday's price ends up looking quaint.
And that's why Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) still deserves a look after climbing roughly 41% during the past 12 months. In the coming quarters, three powerful demand drivers are converging, and so the story is not over just because the chart is up. Let's jump in and see why it's still worth buying.
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The next wave of demand is already queuing up
The simplest near-term catalyst is the approval of a Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF), which is very likely to occur in mid-October.
Given the high odds of approval, the main debate is focused less on "if" and more on how big the first-year flows will be. Some estimates for the potential first-year inflows, like from JPMorgan, call for about $1.5 billion even under cautious assumptions, which is additive to existing demand rather than replacing it. For an asset with a market cap of $110 billion, that could be a meaningful sum.
ETF approvals tend to follow the path of futures market development. On that score, the CME Group's intent to list Solana futures earlier this year was a meaningful breadcrumb, because regulators at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have historically preferred to see price discovery migrate onto supervised venues before green-lighting spot ETF products.
Policy is the second tailwind. In early March, the White House issued an executive order calling for the formation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile (DAS) to hold other digital holdings. The order did not list specific altcoin assets, but the framework is now on paper. If implemented, it would formalize government stewardship and could, over time, limit the number of coins available for public trading.
Real usage by large financial brands is the third tailwind, and it's a big one. Asset manager Franklin Templeton expanded its tokenized U.S. government money market fund to Solana this year, showing that the chain's rapid speed and low-cost profile are winning institutional experiments in tokenization. That's sure to drive stronger capital inflows than would occur otherwise.
How to invest in it wisely
No investment thesis is bulletproof, and Solana has a few caveats that deserve respect.
First, ETF inflows might be modest relative to expectations, especially if investor attention is fragmented across multi-asset crypto funds -- an outcome that's plausible, given how many new crypto ETFs are up for approval at the moment. If so, the initial pop could underwhelm before the structural bid asserts itself over time. That would match the initial launch of the Ethereum ETFs, which didn't get much in the way of capital inflows during their first year on the market, but which later went on to attract billions of dollars in capital.
Second, regulatory pacing can stretch timelines, and the SEC has been willing to defer its decisions on crypto ETFs numerous times already, as well as require asset issuers to refile applications for various reasons. Amended filings are in progress, but the SEC is in no rush. Assuming that approvals arrive within months, as is widely expected, the more important point is that ETF plumbing tends to compound demand as retirement accounts and fee-sensitive platforms switch on access gradually rather than all at once.
Third, networks grow in cycles. Activity surges can stress transaction processing, whereas quieter stretches can cool narratives. Investors should acknowledge that cyclicality, as it can be uncomfortable to hold through.
So, what's the best way to hold Solana?
The idea is to let the structural drivers work for you rather than trying to outmaneuver volatility. Dollar-cost averaging over several months is a disciplined way to build exposure ahead of potential ETF launches and any policy follow-through from the Digital Asset Stockpile framework. If the approvals slip, you are still accumulating a network with rising institutional acceptance and a cost profile that invites usage. If approvals land sooner, you are already in position.
As a final calibration, remember that valuations can stretch. There will be pullbacks. But if ETFs unlock fresh channels of demand, if policy tailwinds remove lingering risks for financial institutions, and if tokenization leaders keep choosing Solana for speed and cost, the supply of coins will tighten against a growing buyer base. And that's exactly the setup where paying up a bit today can still age well.
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Alex Carchidi has positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool recommends CME Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Here's Why You Should Buy Solana Even After It Went Up 41% in 1 Year

Fintel reports that on October 13, 2025, Raymond James maintained coverage of CME Group (NasdaqGS:CME) with a Outperform recommendation.
Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 7.68% Upside
As of September 29, 2025, the average one-year price target for CME Group is $292.20/share. The forecasts range from a low of $214.12 to a high of $328.65. The average price target represents an increase of 7.68% from its latest reported closing price of $271.35 / share.
See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside.
The projected annual revenue for CME Group is 5,569MM, a decrease of 13.43%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 9.10.
What is the Fund Sentiment?
There are 2,742 funds or institutions reporting positions in CME Group. This is an increase of 120 owner(s) or 4.58% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to CME is 0.53%, an increase of 3.45%. Total shares owned by institutions decreased in the last three months by 0.25% to 377,899K shares. The put/call ratio of CME is 0.79, indicating a bullish outlook.
What are Other Shareholders Doing?
Jpmorgan Chase holds 12,286K shares representing 3.41% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 12,574K shares , representing a decrease of 2.34%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 9.09% over the last quarter.
VTSMX - Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares holds 11,591K shares representing 3.22% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 11,390K shares , representing an increase of 1.73%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 5.67% over the last quarter.
VFINX - Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares holds 10,229K shares representing 2.84% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 10,012K shares , representing an increase of 2.11%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 5.71% over the last quarter.
Geode Capital Management holds 9,179K shares representing 2.55% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 8,859K shares , representing an increase of 3.49%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 49.10% over the last quarter.
Capital World Investors holds 8,617K shares representing 2.39% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 9,726K shares , representing a decrease of 12.88%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CME by 17.42% over the last quarter.
Fintel is one of the most comprehensive investing research platforms available to individual investors, traders, financial advisors, and small hedge funds.
Our data covers the world, and includes fundamentals, analyst reports, ownership data and fund sentiment, options sentiment, insider trading, options flow, unusual options trades, and much more. Additionally, our exclusive stock picks are powered by advanced, backtested quantitative models for improved profits.
This story originally appeared on Fintel.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.