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Options Expiry

Definition

Options expiry is the date and time at which an options contract ceases to exist and loses all its value. At expiry, the contract is either exercised by the holder if it is “in-the-money” or becomes worthless if it is “out-of-the-money.” This event can lead to significant shifts in market activity as traders adjust their positions and as underlying assets may experience price movements related to the settlement of these contracts. The occurrence of options expiry is a predictable event that traders often factor into their strategies. It marks a definitive conclusion for the contractual obligations.