CME Group downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Citi

Citi downgraded CME Group (CME) to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $250, down from $255. CME has benefited from “numerous positive catalysts,” including the dividend and buyback plan announcement, 2025 price increases, fading concerns on competitive front, and solid volumes, the analyst tells investors in a research note. However, after two solid years of double-digit sales growth, Citi expects to see “more muted growth” this year and is currently forecasting 4% sales growth in 2025. The firm expects the stock to hold given its defensive qualities but prefers to wait for a better entry point and/or clearer fundamental catalysts to put new money to work in it from here.