CME profit tops estimates, CEO says 'perps' chatter overshadows results

Duffy, who took over the role of CEO about a decade ago at the derivatives exchange, will make way for insider Lynne Fitzpatrick, who will take over as CME's first female CEO on March 1 next year, the company announced in June.

Meanwhile, outgoing CEO Terry Duffy reiterated his criticism of perpetual futures, which are listed derivatives without an expiration date. These contracts allow traders to maintain positions indefinitely without the need to roll them over.

"Strong business performance has been overshadowed by discussions surrounding perpetual futures," Duffy said in a post-earnings call with analysts.

Despite the strong earnings, the company's stock is down 8% so far this year, partly as investors worry that the so-called "perps" — which secured regulatory approval on May 29 — would eat into traditional exchange operators' market share.