What is the CBOT?
The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) was established in 1948. There are 3,600 CBOT members who trade more than 50 different options and futures contracts though open outcry and e-trading. The CBOT is the world’s oldest futures and options exchange. The CBOT has been operating from 141 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago since 1930. The architects Holabird and Route designed the building. Measuring 184.4 meters (605 feet) tall, it is art deco in design and incorporates sculptural work by Alvin Meyer. On top of the building is a sculpture of Ceres, the Roman goddess of plants. This is in reference to CBOT’s heritage as an agricultural commodities market. The sculpture of Ceres is faceless, as Meyer thought that the building would never be overtaken in height and no one would therefore see the face. The building was designated a Chicago landmark in 1977. Numerous other skyscrapers in Chicago’s loop district now surround the building. For many years, the main method of trading was by open auction
