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

• Cboe Global Markets expanded Russell 2000 Index (RUT) and Russell 2000 Index Weeklys (RUTW) options trading hours to nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week according to company announcement.
• The move aims to support global investors, especially in Europe and Asia, in managing U.S. small-cap equity exposure during local business hours as reported.
• In January 2026, 0DTE options accounted for 23% of RUT options activity, showing strong investor interest in short-dated strategies according to data.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. recently introduced nearly 24-hour trading for Russell 2000 Index (RUT) and Russell 2000 Index Weeklys (RUTW) options on the Cboe Options Exchange. The expanded hours are part of Cboe's Global Trading Hours (GTH) session, a feature designed to accommodate global investors as stated in the announcement.

This initiative complements existing 24-hour trading for S&P 500 (SPX) and Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) options. The GTH session experienced record trading volumes in 2025, up 27% from the previous year. The move aligns with growing demand for short-dated trading strategies, including zero-days-to-expiry (0DTE) options according to market analysis.

RUT options are particularly popular among retail and institutional investors for hedging, generating yield, and implementing targeted strategies. In January 2026, 23% of RUT options activity involved 0DTE positions, highlighting rising demand for strategies that allow real-time market participation.

What Drives the Demand for 0DTE Strategies?

0DTE options are short-dated instruments that expire on the day they are traded. They offer investors the ability to react quickly to market movements and manage risk with precise timing. In January 2026, 0DTE options represented 23% of RUT options activity, showing a significant shift in investor preferences.

The demand is fueled by factors such as rising market volatility and dispersion, which make short-term strategies more attractive. Investors in emerging markets and time zones outside North America benefit from the new 24-hour trading model, which enables them to manage U.S. small-cap exposure during local business hours as detailed in the report.

How Does the Expanded Trading Hours Impact the Broader Market?

The introduction of nearly 24-hour trading for RUT options supports global investors in managing their U.S. small-cap positions more effectively. It aligns with broader trends in financial markets where flexibility and real-time execution are increasingly important according to industry analysis.

This expansion also complements Cboe's existing 24/7 trading model for SPX and VIX options. The combination enhances the ability of investors to implement a wide range of strategies across different time zones and market conditions as noted in the article.

Cboe's Global Trading Hours session saw a 27% increase in trading volume in 2025 compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to the rising popularity of cash-settled, European-style options and the adoption of advanced trading strategies like 0DTE according to company data.

What Are the Implications for Investors and Market Participants?

Retail and institutional investors are increasingly using RUT options to hedge, express market views, and generate yield. The availability of 0DTE options provides them with tools to execute strategies with greater precision and flexibility according to market reports.

The move to nearly 24-hour trading also benefits market participants by enhancing liquidity and reducing execution risk. Investors in Europe and Asia-Pacific can now engage with U.S. small-cap markets during their local daytime hours, improving market accessibility.

The growing use of 0DTE options underscores a shift toward more dynamic and responsive trading strategies. This trend is likely to continue as markets evolve and investors seek more flexible and real-time execution tools as industry data shows.