ChainThink News, March 17: The Chicago Board Options Exchange Global Markets Inc. has submitted a proposal to extend trading hours on its stock and options exchange, EDGX. The market operator stated on Monday that it plans to allow all listed NMS stocks to trade on EDGX from 9 PM Eastern Time on Sundays to 8 PM Eastern Time on Fridays. The company plans an hourly operational pause between 8 PM and 9 PM Eastern Time on Mondays through Thursdays. CBOE noted that demand for U.S. equities outside traditional trading hours has increased in recent years.

CBOE already operates 24/7 trading via its proprietary index futures and options as well as its global foreign exchange markets. Oliver Sung, Head of CBOE North America Equities, said the filing submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission represents the latest step toward being prepared to launch trading in December. CBOE provides equity and derivatives trading platforms, including products linked to its flagship VIX volatility index, commonly referred to as the "fear index" of the market. (Golden Tenth)