May 4, 2021 - In a brief press release issued today, US derivatives exchange CME Group, announced that it will not reopen its physical trading pits that were closed last March due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the reason for the closure of the pits was given, "as a precaution to reduce large gatherings that can contribute to the spread of coronavirus in line with the advice of medical professionals." No reason was given today for the permanent closure of the physical trading pits. The Eurodollar options pit, which was reopened last August, will remain open, allowing these contracts to continue to trade in both open outcry and electronic venues. CME Group also announced that, subject to regulatory review, it will delist its full-size, floor-based S&P 500 futures and options contracts following the expiration of the September 2021 contracts on September 17, 2021.