Cboe Considering Launching Perpetual Futures Based on VIX

PANews reported on October 2, citing Bloomberg, that Cboe Global Markets is considering launching perpetual futures based on the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX). Since the VIX index itself cannot currently be traded directly, Cboe will explore listing related contracts once U.S. regulation of perpetual futures becomes clearer. Rob Hocking, Cboe's global head of derivatives, said clients have been asking how to gain spot exposure to the VIX, but there has been no good way to do so, and perpetual futures could be a good solution. He also noted that options have significant advantages over perpetual futures, including non-linear returns and the fact that buyers' losses are limited to the premium paid. He called on regulators to provide clearer guidance on the regulation of perpetual contracts.