Cboe Global Markets has announced plans to transition its Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) options to a 24-hour trading model. The exchange operator is currently working through the necessary regulatory processes to facilitate this expansion. The VIX, often referred to as the 'fear gauge' of the stock market, is a key tool for investors to hedge against market swings or speculate on future volatility.

By moving to a 24-hour cycle, Cboe intends to align its flagship volatility product with the increasingly global and 'always-on' nature of modern financial markets, including the cryptocurrency sector. Currently, VIX options trading is restricted to standard market hours. Proponents of the change argue that continuous trading will allow institutional and retail investors to react to geopolitical events or economic data releases that occur outside of traditional U.S. market hours.

While the proposal is framed as a response to investor demand for liquidity and risk management, it also reflects a broader trend among major exchanges to capture more trading volume by extending operating times. There is currently no confirmed date for when this 24-hour trading window might go live, as it remains subject to approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).