CBOE tests weekend trading hours for options contracts on major stocks

The options market never sleeps. Or at least, it’s trying really hard not to. Cboe Options Exchange is running a series of weekend tests to prepare for extended trading hours on single-stock equity options, a move that would let traders access pre-market and post-market sessions on some of the most heavily traded names in the US market.

The SEC approved Cboe’s rule filing on May 28, 2026, clearing the path for a production launch currently targeted for July 13, 2026. The new sessions will run from 7:30 AM to 9:25 AM ET before the regular open and from 4:00 PM to 4:15 PM ET after the close, Monday through Friday.

What the weekend tests actually involve

The weekend sessions are strictly system readiness tests, designed to make sure the plumbing works before the extended weekday hours go live. The customer test dates are May 30, June 27, July 11, and August 15, 2026. Each session gives Cboe and its participants a chance to validate connectivity, order handling, and overall system performance under conditions that mimic the new trading windows.

The initial rollout will focus on roughly 20 symbols, all of them among the most liquid names in the equity universe. The list includes the full Magnificent 7 roster, with AAPL, NVDA, TSLA, AMZN, and AVGO all making the cut. AMD, BAC, and BABA round out the early lineup, giving traders exposure to megacap tech, semiconductors, financials, and Chinese ADRs.

Why extended hours matter now

Cboe already operates near-24-hour sessions for index products. Its Global Trading Hours platform covers flagship products like SPX and VIX options from 8:15 PM to 9:25 AM ET, effectively giving traders in Asia-Pacific and European time zones access to US index derivatives while New York sleeps.

During Q1 2026, GTH and curb volumes hit record levels, climbing 32% year-over-year. A meaningful chunk of that growth came from Asia-Pacific investors who need access to US risk management tools during their own business hours.

The July 13 launch date remains subject to regulatory review, but the weekend tests are already underway.

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