The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) will begin offering trading in options on the CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index (VXEEM) on Tuesday, 31 January.

The new options contract follows the introduction of trading in CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index security futures (futures symbol: VXEM) at CBOE Futures Exchange (CFE) on 9 January, 2012.  Investors can use either or both products to hedge emerging markets volatility exposure or to make direct plays on emerging markets volatility. 

CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index options and security futures are the first of several ETF-based volatility index products planned for launch at CBOE and CFE in 2012.  

The calculation of the CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index is based on the well-known CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) methodology applied to options on the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (stock symbol: EEM), the eleventh most actively traded ETF option at CBOE in 2011. The CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index is an up-to-the-minute market estimate of the expected 30-day volatility of EEM, calculated using real-time bid/ask quotes of EEM options that are listed on CBOE.

Calculated and distributed by CBOE since March 2011, the CBOE Emerging Markets ETF Volatility Index is one in a series of ETF volatility benchmarks created by CBOE. CBOE also calculates and disseminates the following ETF volatility benchmarks: CBOE Crude Oil ETF Volatility Index (OVX); CBOE China ETF Volatility Index (VXFXI); CBOE Brazil ETF Volatility Index (VXEWZ); CBOE Gold Miners ETF Volatility Index (VXGDX); CBOE Silver ETF Volatility Index (VXSLV); CBOE Energy Sector ETF Volatility Index (VXXLE); CBOE EuroCurrency ETF Volatility Index (EVZ); and CBOE Gold ETF Volatility Index (GVZ).

Group One Trading, LP, has been named the Designated Primary Market Maker (DPM) in VXEEM options.