This topic provides the guidelines for Brokers, Traders, Administrators, and support staff to install and run CME Direct™.

CME Direct offers side-by-side access to CME Group listed futures and OTC markets—all on one screen. Offering electronic trading of futures and options, and trade entry via CME ClearPort. CME Direct helps you work more efficiently and effectively. Occasionally, workstation configuration issues must be addressed before enabling the CME Direct trading platform. This topic describes these issues and provides guidance on navigating any obstacles while installing the CME Direct trading platform. 

Contents

CME Direct Support

CME Direct has dedicated support teams based in various locations around the world. See detailed contact information or contact the CME Global Command Center.

CME Direct Technical Requirements

Ensure your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements to install and run CME Direct. Configure your workstation to enable your CME Direct needs.

Hardware Requirements

For optimum performance we recommend the following minimum requirements:

• 3GHz + dual-core or higher processor. Quad-core processor preferred.
• 8GB memory or greater.
• Minimum display Resolution setting 1280 x 1024.
• Broadband internet connection (5+Mbit) with low latency.

Software Requirements

CME Direct has been developed using Microsoft .NET technology. The following software requirements are pre-requisites.

To Install and Run CME Direct:

• Microsoft Windows 10 (or more recent)
• Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox
• Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 or higher Framework - free download available
• Client Download  - https://cmedirect.cmegroup.com  
• Microsoft Edge WebView2 - https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/webview2/?form=MA13LH 

Connectivity Options

Use one of the following connectivity options:

• Internet

• CME Connectivity Offerings
  • Globex Hubs
  • EConnect
  • LNet
  • GLink
  • Customers can also connect via a third party that has connectivity to CME Group and supports access to the CME Direct application

Connection Via Internet

An Internet connection is the primary connection for most users.  

The client requires ALL of the following IP addresses to be opened on port 443 on the firewall:

Connection Via Customer or 3rd Party Managed Direct Network Connection 

Customers can use a new or existing, self-managed or third-party connection solution to CME Data Center. GLink and EConnect connections are supported. Please contact Platform Solutions or Global Account Management (GAM) if interested in other available connection options.

Connection Test

Connection settings are configured automatically. If CME Direct cannot connect to the CME servers, check the connectivity by completing the following steps:

1. From the Login window, select Settings. The Connection Settings window displays. 
   

2. To test connections, select Test Connection. 
   If all connections are correct, a green tick displays. If the test fails to connect, a red cross displays.
   If you are having issues, select Copy Log to Clipboard, then paste the log into an email that you can send to the CME Direct support team.

CME Direct Specifications

The CME Direct desktop client maintains the following technical characteristics:

*These are approximate figures and vary based on the number of products, hardware, and network speed.

Installing and Running CME Direct

Prior to login, ensure your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements to install and run CME Direct.

First Installation

Install the CME Direct desktop client by going to https://cmedirect.cmegroup.com. This link launches the install process and downloads the CME Direct client application onto the local PC. 

The following warning displays:

Select Install.

Upgrading CME Direct

Release notifications are communicated via email to traders and technology departments that are subscribed to receive notices. 

Please subscribe to CME Direct customer notices from the CME Group Subscription Center.  A CME Group Login is required to subscribe. New releases are typically mandatory and will attempt to convert and retain all custom user layouts and settings where possible.

Launching CME Direct

Once installed, the application can be launched here:

• From the Start  > All Programs > CME Group > CME Direct menu

During start up, the following window displays for a few seconds as CME Direct validates the CME Direct software on your PC. Refer to Upgrading CME Direct to see if there is a new version available:

The following login window appears.

Enter your CME Group Login ID and Password, then select Login to launch the CME Direct application.

For more information about managing CME Group Login IDs, see the CME Group Login User Help System.

Troubleshooting

Please complete the following procedures if you experience any issues with CME Direct.

Disconnection Issues

If disconnected from CME Direct, the system automatically attempts to restore the connection. Your Day/Session orders are automatically held when you are disconnected, unless you have overridden order settings.

If you continue to experience connection issues, contact the CME Global Command Center.

Client Logs

The CME Direct Trading client and Excel logs are located on the user's machine at the following location:
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\CMEGroup\CMEDirect\Prod2 

Copy/paste the following path into a file explorer window. ClientLogs and ExcelLogs are located within this directory:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\CMEGROUP\CMEDIRECT\PROD2\