Core Insights - Cboe Global Markets plans to extend trading hours for its Russell 2000 Index (RUT) options to nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week, starting February 9, 2026 [1] - The addition of overnight trading sessions is expected to enhance investors' ability to respond to market events and manage risk more effectively [1][1] - Cboe's Global Trading Hours (GTH) have seen record volumes in 2025, increasing by 179% year-to-date compared to the full year 2022, indicating strong demand for overnight trading [1][1] Trading Hours and Options - RUT options will be available for trading during regular U.S. hours and will also trade from 8:15 p.m. ET to 9:25 a.m. ET the following morning, Monday through Friday [1][1] - Cboe offers a variety of index options during GTH, including S&P 500 Index (SPX), Mini-SPX (XSP), and Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) options [1][1] - The introduction of RUT options to GTH will provide investors with more tools for accessing U.S. equity markets, potentially increasing trading, hedging, and liquidity opportunities [1][1] Market Demand and Performance - Average daily volume in Cboe's RUT options has reached nearly 75 thousand contracts, a 66% increase compared to the full year 2022, as traders seek to manage risk [1][1] - The Russell 2000 Index is known for its volatility and sensitivity to interest rates, making RUT options a useful tool for trading small-cap volatility [1][1] - Cboe publishes the Cboe Russell 2000 Volatility Index (RVX) to track implied volatility for the Russell 2000, which has historically been higher than the VIX Index [1][1] Trading Features - RUT options and Russell 2000 Index Weeklys (RUTW) options are cash-settled, European-style options, eliminating the risk of early exercise [1][1] - Cboe offers a range of expirations for RUT options, including every weekday, end-of-month, and quarterly options, allowing for diverse trading strategies [1][1] - Cboe also plans to introduce Curb Trading Hours from 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, further expanding trading opportunities [1][1] Company Overview - Cboe Global Markets operates as a leading derivatives and securities exchange network, providing trading, clearing, and investment solutions globally [1][1] - The company offers products across multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, and FX, in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific [1][1] - Cboe is committed to fostering an inclusive global marketplace that supports sustainable financial futures for its participants [1][1]