Cboe Launches 24-Hour Russell 2000 Options Trading; Receives Zacks Strong Buy Upgrade
Cboe launched nearly 24-hour trading for Russell 2000 Index options, extending sessions from 8:15 p.m. to 9:25 a.m. ET and boosting record 2025 volumes by 27%. Analysts upgraded Cboe to Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on rising earnings prospects and demand for short-dated, cash-settled strategies.
1. Nearly 24-Hour Russell 2000 Trading
Cboe extended trading for Russell 2000 Index (RUT) and Weeklys options to 8:15 p.m. ET–9:25 a.m. ET, five days a week, adding to its nearly 24x5 Global Trading Hours lineup alongside SPX, XSP and VIX derivatives. This expansion enables Europe and Asia-Pacific investors to access U.S. small-cap options during local trading hours.
2. Record Volumes and Investor Demand
Global Trading Hours volumes rose 27% in 2025 compared with 2024, setting new records for SPX and VIX options sessions. RUT options also reached record demand, with 0DTE positions representing 23% of January activity as participants used short-dated, cash-settled strategies for hedging and yield generation.
3. Zacks Strong Buy Upgrade
Cboe received a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on the back of anticipated earnings growth from extended trading sessions and rising derivatives activity. Analysts cited increased institutional uptake of short-dated options and the revenue potential from expanded global access to U.S. markets as key drivers.