S&P Global Stock And Cboe Stand Out As Options Trading Picks

With S&P 500 earnings up around 50% in Q2 and inflation cooling, markets have swung back toward optimism, especially in options and derivatives trading. That shift in mood has started to reshape the outlook for key US market infrastructure stocks tied to this renewed risk appetite. This article walks through three companies from that universe that appear most exposed to the current news-driven momentum, so you can decide how they might fit your watchlist.

The three stocks covered next are just a starting sample, and the full screen surfaced 40 more US listed options and derivatives trading platforms with equally compelling stories that are not covered in this article. To go deeper on this theme, head straight into the US Listed Options & Derivatives Trading Platforms screener to identify, filter and analyze the highest conviction ideas.

S&P Global (SPGI)

Overview: S&P Global is a data and analytics company that underpins global capital and commodity markets through credit ratings, indices like the S&P 500, benchmark pricing for energy and commodities, and workflow tools used by banks, asset managers, and corporates. Its four main segments, Market Intelligence, Ratings, Energy, and S&P Dow Jones Indices, supply information and benchmarks that are used every day to value assets, assess risk, and structure financial products around the world.

Operations: S&P Global generates most of its revenue from Market Intelligence at about US$5.1b and Ratings at about US$5.1b, with additional contributions from Energy at about US$2.4b, Indices at about US$2.0b, and Mobility at about US$1.8b, alongside smaller intersegment eliminations, supported by a strong US base at about US$9.9b and meaningful European and Asian revenue.

Market Cap: US$124.6b

S&P Global sits at the heart of equity and derivatives markets, so stronger earnings across the S&P 500 and rising risk appetite feed directly into demand for its indices, exchange traded derivatives tied to those benchmarks, and credit ratings. Recent news around Q2 results, the Mobility spin off and expanding AI enabled data products suggests the company is focusing on higher value data and workflow tools while also committing large buybacks funded partly by new debt. That combination of high margin information assets and balance sheet leverage can support returns, yet also increases sensitivity to market cycles and funding costs. For investors tracking this options and derivatives theme, the question is how much of that potential is already reflected in the current valuation and analyst optimism.

S&P Global’s mix of high margin indices, ratings and AI enabled data is powerful, but investors may not be pricing the full trade off between leverage and opportunity. Read the analysis report for S&P Global to see what the current setup could be signaling next.

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UP Fintech Holding (TIGR)

Overview: UP Fintech Holding is an online brokerage based in Singapore that runs the Tiger Trade platform, giving primarily Chinese investors global access to stocks, options, warrants, futures and other securities through a mobile app and web platform, alongside extras such as investor education, community features, wealth management and IPO services.

Operations: UP Fintech Holding generates its revenue primarily from its brokerage segment, which contributes about US$567.9 million.

Market Cap: US$830 million

UP Fintech Holding provides direct exposure to options and derivatives trading by retail investors at a time when risk appetite and equity volumes are picking up again. The company is positioned at the intersection of growing client assets and expanding international reach, and it also faces questions around regulatory penalties in China, reliance on external borrowing and a recent swing from profit to a quarterly loss. The stock currently trades on a low P/E compared with many US capital markets peers. Investors comparing fast-growing digital brokers with regulatory and funding risks may find TIGR worth a closer look.

UP Fintech’s low P/E and expanding global reach point to a story the market may not be fully pricing. Compare those expectations with the analyst forecasts for UP Fintech Holding to see what could be hiding behind the recent loss.

Cboe Global Markets (CBOE)

Overview: Cboe Global Markets runs one of the major exchange networks that power trading in options, futures, equities and foreign exchange across the US, Europe and Asia Pacific, including flagship products such as S&P index options and VIX volatility futures. It also earns recurring revenue from market data, index licensing and clearing, which sit alongside its transaction driven trading businesses.

Operations: Cboe Global Markets generates most of its revenue from Options at about US$2.7b and North American Equities at about US$1.7b, with additional contributions from Europe and Asia Pacific at about US$424 million, Futures at about US$140 million and Global FX at about US$106 million.

Market Cap: US$30.6b

Cboe Global Markets gives you direct exposure to rising options and equity derivatives activity at a time when Q2 earnings strength, cooling US inflation and more bullish positioning are driving heavier use of tools like SPX and 0DTE contracts. Recent results show record net revenue, growing international volumes and a higher dividend for the 16th straight year. Analysts still debate how sustainable that earnings power is, especially with revenue projected to decline over the next few years and the business relying on external borrowing. If you are looking for a way to play increased options activity through core market infrastructure, Cboe’s mix of growth products, rich data assets and clear funding and concentration risks is worth unpacking further.

Accelerating options volumes and record net revenue put Cboe Global Markets at the center of this renewed risk cycle, yet the real story sits inside the analysis report for Cboe Global Markets

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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