The open interest (OI) in bitcoin futures traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has hit an all-time high of more than $12.26 billion as of 18 October, according to data. This figure has increased by more than 36% over the past two weeks and is more than 3.5% above the previous all-time high level set in April. Open positions have surged in recent weeks, up sharply from summer levels. This is the highest since 1 April, when open positions on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange reached $11.84 billion.