The derivatives exchange giant CME Group saw a spike in trading activity outside North America during the first quarter, thanks to volatility caused by the coronavirus.

CME on 8 April announced record figures for its international business, with average daily volume of 7.2 million contracts in the first quarter of 2020, a 57% year-on-year increase. The group – which also operates the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and offers trading in futures, options, cash and over-the-counter markets – said the number surpassed a previous record of 5.3 million contracts traded in a single quarter.