April 24 (Reuters) - Exchange operator CME Group ( CME )

beat first-quarter profit estimates on Wednesday, helped by

record growth in futures and options contracts tied to U.S.

Treasuries and higher commodity markets trading activity.

While hopes of a "soft landing", where inflation falls

without a recession or big job losses, have firmed up over the

past few months, the trajectory of interest rates continues to

be uncertain as investors assess the latest economic data.

Volatility due to changing rate-cut expectations helped

CME's average daily volume (ADV) to rise as customers

increasingly used its offerings to manage risks.

CME Group's ( CME ) ADV in its U.S. Treasuries futures and options

grew 12% year over year, reaching an all-time high of 7.8

million contracts per day, the company said, adding that ADV in

its commodities markets rose 14% to 4.7 million contracts.

Clearing and transaction fees, from which CME makes most of

its revenue, edged up 0.7% to $1.21 billion. Its total revenue

rose 3% to $1.49 billion in the first quarter.

On an adjusted basis, CME earned $2.50 per share, compared

to analysts' estimates of $2.45, according to LSEG data.