Chicago futures market to close trading floor because of coronavirus

With most business done electronically, CME Group will evaluate when to reopen the space.

By David Roeder

Chicago Scenics — The Chicago Board of Trade Building, 141 W. Jackson Blvd.

CME Group, owner of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade, said Wednesday that it will temporarily shut its trading floor at the close of business Friday. It said the closing is a precaution to limit large gatherings that can spread the coronavirus.

Most trading of futures contracts occurs electronically. CME said the trading, which has seen spikes in activity because of market volatility, will continue on its Globex network.

CME said no coronavirus cases have been reported on its trading floor or at the adjacent Chicago Board of Trade Building, 141 W. Jackson Blvd. “The reopening of the trading floor will be evaluated as more medical guidance on the coronavirus becomes available,” CME said in a press release. “The company’s headquarters at 20 S. Wacker Drive will remain open.”

Floor traders will get additional information about the change, the company said.

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