Cboe Introduces Almost 24-Hour Trading for Russell 2000 Index Options

Cboe's New Trading Hours for Russell 2000 Options

In a significant development for the trading industry, Cboe Global Markets, Inc. has announced the launch of nearly 24-hour trading for its Russell 2000 Index (RUT) options. The decision, effective immediately, allows investors unlimited access to trade Russell 2000 Index options from Monday to Friday. This initiative is particularly aimed at benefitting European and Asia Pacific investors, enabling them to better manage U.S. small-cap exposure during their local trading hours.

The expansion into Cboe's Global Trading Hours (GTH) session aligns with the increasing demand for cash-settled RUT options, which has seen substantial growth over the past year. Cboe also provides other product offerings during this session, including the SP 500 Index (SPX), Mini-SPX (XSP), and Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) options, which collectively reached record trading volumes in 2025 – a remarkable 27% increase compared to the previous year.

Cboe's Global Head of Derivatives, Rob Hocking, emphasized the importance of this expansion by stating, "Cboe remains steadfast in our efforts to expand global access to U.S. markets and empower investors with the flexibility and tools they need to manage today's market environment." He further noted that the introduction of nearly 24-hour RUT trading enables global investors to act on their strategies in real-time, regardless of time zones.

Following this trend, the demand for RUT options has surged as traders increasingly gravitate towards cash-settled, European-style options for implementing diverse trading strategies. Interestingly, a notable percentage, specifically 23%, of total RUT options activity in January was attributed to zero-days-to-expiry (0DTE) trading, underscoring the growing appetite among investors for short-dated options strategies.

Milan Galik, CEO of Interactive Brokers, mentioned the significance of this development, stating, "Interactive Brokers is committed to expanding trading hours across the wide scope of asset classes we offer to our global clientele. With exchanges like Cboe now enabling 24/5 trading for Russell 2000 Index options, our clients worldwide gain the ability to manage their small-cap options positions around the clock and respond to international market developments in real-time."

Moreover, Shawn Creighton, Director of Index Derivatives Solutions at FTSE Russell, applauded Cboe's decision, calling it "a significant milestone for global investors." He highlighted that the Russell 2000 Index serves as a key benchmark for U.S. small-cap equities. Thus, the newly available trading hours will provide investors increased flexibility to seize opportunities across different time zones.

Upcoming Webinar and Detailed Insights

To further discuss the recent expansion of RUT trading hours and current market trends, Cboe will be hosting a webinar on February 25 at 12:30 PM ET. Mandy Xu, Head of Derivatives Market Intelligence at Cboe, will join Catherine Yoshimoto, Director of Product Management at FTSE Russell, to provide insights on recent trading trends and the outlook for performance and volatility within the small-cap sector. Interested participants can sign up for the webinar through the Cboe website.

Currently, RUT and its weekly options (RUTW) are tradable through Cboe's Regular Trading Hours (RTH), Global Trading Hours (GTH), and Curb Trading Hours. The introduction of almost round-the-clock access to these options positions Cboe as a pivotal player in enhancing trading accessibility and efficiency in the global markets.

About Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Global Markets stands as a leader in the derivatives and securities exchange sector, providing advanced trading, clearing, and investment solutions globally. Their mission revolves around building a trusted, inclusive marketplace, enabling diverse investment opportunities ranging across multiple asset classes, from equities to FX and derivatives. Interested parties can learn more about their offerings by visiting their official website, www.cboe.com.