Kalshi Inc. is expanding its reach beyond prediction markets, aiming to attract major financial institutions with a new futures market focused on US inflation. The New York-based firm is preparing to launch exchange-traded futures contracts tied to the consumer price index (CPI) and the core inflation gauge, which excludes food and energy costs. The contracts are slated for a December debut, according to sources familiar with the plans.
The company has enlisted Michael Ashton, a former Barclays Plc trader nicknamed the “Inflation Guy,” to design the contracts and engage with large investment firms. Ashton’s expertise is expected to play a key role in drawing interest from Wall Street.
Kalshi’s move marks a significant step in its competition with traditional financial exchanges, as it seeks to establish itself as the go-to platform for inflation-related trading. The firm is positioning itself as the ‘Inflation Exchange,’ leveraging its existing prediction market infrastructure to support this new venture.