Cboe Extends Trading Hours for Russell 2000 Options, Signals Global Expansion
Event summary
- Cboe has launched nearly 24-hour trading (24x5) for Russell 2000 (RUT) and Weeklys (RUTW) options, joining S&P 500 and VIX options.
- Cboe's Global Trading Hours (GTH) saw a 27% volume increase in 2025 compared to 2024.
- 0DTE trading accounted for 23% of total RUT options activity in January 2026.
- The move aims to facilitate trading for European and Asia Pacific investors during their local business hours.
The big picture
Cboe's move to offer near-24-hour trading for RUT options reflects a broader trend of exchanges catering to global investor demand and extending market access beyond traditional hours. This expansion is likely driven by the increasing popularity of short-dated options strategies and the desire of international investors to participate in U.S. small-cap equity markets. The success of this initiative will depend on Cboe's ability to attract and retain international trading volume while managing the associated operational and regulatory complexities.
What we're watching
- Global Adoption
- The success of this expansion hinges on actual trading volume from European and Asia-Pacific investors, which will indicate the true demand for extended hours access.
- Competition
- Other exchanges may follow suit, intensifying competition for derivatives trading volume and potentially eroding Cboe's market share if they fail to innovate further.
- 0DTE Risk
- The continued popularity of 0DTE trading strategies could amplify volatility and systemic risk within the RUT options market, requiring ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
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