What time of day do options expire?
Options expiration refers to the date and time at which an option contract becomes invalid and the right to buy or sell the underlying asset is no longer available. Options expiration is a critical aspect of options trading and it’s important for traders to understand the concept and its impact on their positions.
Options expiration is the date and time when an option contract becomes invalid and the right to buy or sell the underlying asset is no longer available. Options contracts have a set expiration date and time, after which the contract is no longer in force and becomes worthless. This expiration date and time are specified in the contract when the option is purchased.
Options expiration can have a significant impact on a trader’s position and it’s important to understand the mechanics of options expiration in order to make informed trading decisions. For example, if a trader holds an option that is set to expire, they may need to take action to avoid losing their entire investment. Understanding options expiration can also help traders make better decisions when selecting options contracts, such as choosing the right expiration date that aligns with their trading strategy.
Understanding Of The Expiration Time
The expiration time is the specific moment when an options contract becomes invalid and the right to buy or sell the underlying asset is no longer available. This is different from the expiration date, which is the deadline for the holder of the option to indicate their intentions. While the expiration date is more commonly known among option traders, understanding the expiration time can also be beneficial.
According to NASDAQ, the expiration time is set at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time on the expiration date. Public holders of option contracts must indicate their desire to exercise no later than 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the business day preceding the expiration date. This allows brokers to notify the exchange of the holder’s intent by the actual expiration time on the expiration date.
In the U.S., the last day to trade an option is typically the third Friday of the expiration month, with the expiration date being the Saturday immediately following. In case Friday is a public holiday, the last trading day will be on Thursday. Public holders of an option must declare their notice to exercise by 5:30 p.m. on Friday to allow the broker to notify the exchange by the actual expiration time on Saturday.
Derivatives Contract Expiration
The expiration date in derivatives refers to the final day that an options or futures contract is valid. When investors purchase options, they are granted the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the underlying assets at a pre-determined price, known as the strike price.
To exercise this right, it must be done within a specified period, which is on or before the expiration date. If the investor decides not to exercise the option, it will expire and become worthless, resulting in the loss of the money invested to purchase it.
In the United States, the expiration date for listed stock options is typically the third Friday of the contract month, which is the month in which the contract expires. In the event that the third Friday falls on a holiday, the expiration date will be the Thursday immediately prior to that Friday. Once an options or futures contract surpasses the expiration date, the contract is no longer valid. The last day to trade equity options is the Friday before the expiration date.
Other Types of Options Expiration
Options contracts come in various forms, with different expiration dates and times. In addition to traditional options, there are weekly options, end-of-month options, and flex options. Each type of option provides traders and investors with different benefits, such as more flexibility, shorter or longer time frames, and the ability to customize expiration dates. In this section, we will delve into the details of each type of options contract and their unique features.
Weekly Options
Weekly options are a type of options contract that expires on a weekly basis, rather than monthly like traditional options. This type of option provides more flexibility and a shorter time frame for traders and investors. Weekly options are typically used for short-term trading strategies and to hedge positions.
End-of-Month Options
End-of-month options, also known as EOM options, expire on the last day of the month. These options are similar to traditional options, with the exception of the expiration date being at the end of the month, rather than the third Friday. EOM options can be used in various trading strategies and can offer a longer time frame compared to weekly options.
Flex Options
Flex options, also known as flexible expiration options, are a type of options contract that allows the expiration date to be adjusted based on the holder’s preference. Flex options provide traders and investors with the ability to customize their option contracts, giving them greater control over their trades. This type of option is not as widely traded as traditional options or weekly options, but can be a useful tool for traders looking for more flexibility in their options trading.
What time of day do options expire: Conclusion
In conclusion, options expiration is a crucial aspect of options trading, and understanding the expiration time and date is essential for successful trading. Options contracts can have different expiration dates, including the third Friday of the expiration month, the last day of the month, or a customized date set by the holder of the option. Weekly options, end-of-month options, and flex options are different types of options contracts that provide traders and investors with various benefits such as more flexibility, shorter or longer time frames, and the ability to customize expiration dates. Each type of option serves a specific purpose, and traders and investors should consider their trading strategies and goals before choosing which type of option to trade. By understanding options expiration and the different types of options contracts, traders and investors can make informed decisions and maximize their returns in the options market.
Shawn Abdelal is a financial analyst with an eye for detail and a head for numbers. He has always been interested in the stock market and how it works, and he loves analyzing data to see where investments could be made. Shawn is originally from California, but he has lived in many different places thanks to his work. He is currently based in New York City.
