CME Launches Avalanche Futures with 5,000 AVAX and 500 AVAX Micro Contracts on May 5

According to CME Group, the exchange launched cash-settled Avalanche futures contracts on May 5, 2026, with standard contracts covering 5,000 AVAX and micro contracts covering 500 AVAX, both denominated in USD via the CME CF Avalanche-Dollar Reference Rate. CME also announced plans to shift its entire crypto derivatives platform to 24/7 trading starting May 29.

AVAX currently trades near $10 with technical resistance at the $9.80–$10.45 supply zone. A break above this level could open a path toward the 200-day exponential moving average at $12.35, followed by a local peak at $14.90–$15.50. Grayscale highlighted Avalanche as a potential beneficiary of clearer U.S. crypto regulations in a May 2026 research note, reinforcing institutional interest alongside existing spot ETF offerings.