SEC Greenlights Extended Trading Window

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has granted the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) authorization to implement extended trading hours for a select group of single-stock options. This new schedule is slated to go live on July 13, 2026, representing a significant shift towards greater flexibility in the options marketplace.

Focus on High-Liquidity Stocks

The initial phase will include approximately 20 individual stocks known for their robust trading activity and deep liquidity. Notably, all members of the so-called "Magnificent Seven" group of technology giants are expected to be part of the first wave, catering to strong investor interest in these market leaders.

Stringent Eligibility Criteria

CBOE has established specific benchmarks to determine which options qualify for the extended sessions:

  • A minimum of 150,000 open contracts for the option series.
  • The underlying company must boast a market capitalization exceeding $50 billion.
  • Average daily trading volume for the stock must surpass 10 million shares.
These filters are designed to include only the most substantial and liquid securities, promoting orderly market conditions during the added hours.

Building Towards 24/7 Market Access

This move aligns with a broader initiative by CBOE to expand trading accessibility. The exchange has separately revealed plans to launch "23X5" U.S. equity trading on its EDGX platform in December. Together, these developments signal a strategic push to dismantle traditional time barriers, offering investors nearly round-the-clock opportunities to engage with the markets.