CME vs HLT Comparison

Based in Chicago, CME Group operates exchanges giving investors, suppliers, and businesses the ability to trade futures and derivatives based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign currencies, energy, metals, and commodities. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange was founded in 1898 and in 2002 completed its IPO. Since then, CME Group has consolidated parts of the industry by merging with crosstown rival CBOT Holdings in 2007 before acquiring Nymex Holdings in 2008 and NEX in 2018. In addition, the company has a 27% stake in S&P Dow Jones Indexes, making the Chicago Mercantile Exchange the exclusive venue to trade and clear S&P futures contracts. Through CME's acquisition of NEX, it also expanded into cash foreign exchange, fixed-income trading, and collateral optimization.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings operates 1.36 million rooms across its 27 brands, serving the premium economy through luxury segments. Hampton and Hilton are the two largest brands, representing 27% and 18%, respectively, of the company's total rooms, as of Dec. 31, 2025. Recent brands launched over the past few years include Home2, Curio, Canopy, Spark, Tru, Tempo, LivSmart, and Outset. Additionally, there is a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World and acquisitions of NoMad and Graduate Hotels. Managed and franchised hotels represent the vast majority of adjusted EBITDA, predominantly from the Americas.