0DTE Volatility Expands With New 24-Hour Trading Hours For Russell 2000 Index Options

Cboe Global Markets has expanded nearly 24-hour trading for Russell 2000 Index (RUT) options, enabling global investors to access U.S. small-cap exposure during local daytime hours. The expansion includes RUT and RUTW options under Cboe's Global Trading Hours (GTH) and complements existing 24-hour access for SPX, XSP, and VIX options. In January 2026, 0DTE trading accounted for 23% of RUT options activity, highlighting increasing demand for short-term trading strategies.

Cboe Global Markets has introduced nearly 24-hour trading for Russell 2000 Index (RUT) and RUTW options, five days a week. This move supports global investors in managing U.S. small-cap exposure and executing market strategies in real time. By expanding access under its Global Trading Hours (GTH), Cboe aims to cater to European and Asia Pacific investors, who previously faced challenges in aligning with U.S. market hours.

The expansion of RUT options is part of a broader initiative that includes 24-hour trading for SPX, XSP, and VIX options. In 2025, these options saw a 27% volume increase compared to 2024. This trend reflects growing demand for volatility management tools and short-term strategies, particularly around 0DTE products.

Interactive Brokers' IBKR Campus offers educational resources to help traders understand and implement options strategies. The platform includes tools such as the Probability Lab and Volatility Lab, enhancing analytical and strategy development capabilities. These educational resources are particularly relevant for traders engaging with RUT options.

Why is 0DTE Trading Gaining Popularity?

0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options are attracting attention for their ability to allow traders to implement short-term strategies effectively. In January 2026, 0DTE trading accounted for 23% of RUT options activity, showing strong investor interest in this format. This rise is attributed to the increasing demand for flexibility and real-time market execution across time zones.

The growth in 0DTE activity is also linked to the expansion of global trading access. By allowing trading beyond traditional U.S. market hours, Cboe enables investors to manage their U.S. small-cap exposure more efficiently, aligning with their local business hours. This development is part of a broader trend toward global market integration and real-time trading capabilities.

What Challenges Exist for On-Chain Options?

While 0DTE and similar products are gaining traction in traditional markets, on-chain options in decentralized finance (DeFi) face distinct challenges. These include insufficient liquidity and complex user interfaces, which deter retail adoption. Protocols such as Derive and Hyperliquid are addressing these issues through innovations like RFQ (Request for Quote) mechanisms and unified margin systems according to reports.

The on-chain options market is also exploring ways to bridge the gap between DeFi liquidity providers and traders. Options can serve as both an insurance mechanism and an income source for liquidity providers, who earn volatility premiums by supplying liquidity. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including regulatory uncertainty and the need for better user education.

As 0DTE and other options products continue to evolve, they are likely to play a key role in both traditional and decentralized financial ecosystems. The expansion of 24-hour trading hours for RUT options reflects a broader shift toward global accessibility and real-time market execution, supporting a wide range of trading strategies and risk management approaches.