New Records Set Yesterday, May 16th, At CBOE For Volume In Options On The Dow (DJX) And CBOE Volatility Index (VIX)

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) announced that volume in Options on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJX) and CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), set new all-time records for single-day volume during Wednesday's trading session.

Volume in DJX options on May 16th totaled 154,938 contracts, beating the previous single-day record of 139,535 contracts set on September 19, 2001. DJX options provide exposure to the Dow Jones Industrial Average in one transaction, offering a capital-efficient means to trade the broad market. Total volume for DJX options during the month of April was 721,925 contracts.

Volume in VIX options at CBOE yesterday totaled 277,260 contracts, topping the previous single-day volume record of 208,872 contracts set on March 8, 2007. VIX is the widely disseminated benchmark index of market volatility and investor sentiment, sometimes referred to as the market's "fear gauge." Average daily volume in VIX options during April was 55,557 contracts and open interest at the end of the month stood at 1,168,969 contracts.