Eurex, the pan-European derivatives exchange, is to prolong trading hours for futures on the Dow Jones Stoxx 50 index, to accommodate growing interest in the instruments from US investors.

The exchange covers 50 European blue chip companies, Stoxx Banks and Euro Stoxx Banks sector indices. The move, which comes into effect on June 17, will extend trading to 18:00 GMT. The time extension will enable all Stoxx futures accepted for trading in the US to be tradable until 12:00 GMT.