Expiry Date in Options Trading: Types, Strategies & Examples

Imagine buying a carton of milk, only to realize it’s going to expire tomorrow. Just as that expiry date impacts your decision to use or discard the milk, the expiry date in options trading plays a crucial role in determining the value and utility of an option.

Let’s dive into the world of expiry dates in options trading

What is an expiry date in Options Trading?

The expiry date in options trading is the specific day when an options contract ceases to exist. After this date, the contract becomes void, and the holder can no longer exercise the option. Essentially, the expiry date marks the last day on which the option holder can choose to buy or sell the underlying asset at the predetermined strike price. But how is the expiry date determined in options trading?

Imagine you bought an option to purchase a car at a fixed price, but this offer expires in a week. If you don’t exercise this option within the week, the offer lapses, and you lose the right to buy the car at that fixed price.

Types of expiry dates in Options Trading

To understand what time do options expire, we must first explore the different types of expiration dates available to option traders

1. Standard expiry

These options typically expire on the last Thursday of the month, and they are the most common type of options traded.

2. Weekly expiry

Introduced more recently, weekly options expire every Thursday, offering traders more flexibility and opportunities to trade.

3. Quarterly expiry

These options expire at the end of each quarter and are often used by institutional traders for long-term strategies.

4. LEAPS (Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities)

These options have an expiration date longer than one year, sometimes up to three years, allowing for long-term speculation or hedging.

How expiry dates affect options prices?

The expiry date directly influences the price of an option, known as the option’s premium. The value of an option decreases as the expiry date approaches due to a concept called time decay. This time decay is more rapid as the option gets closer to its expiry.

Time value

The time value of an option represents the additional amount an investor is willing to pay for the possibility that the option will become profitable before it expires. As the expiry date nears, this time value diminishes.

Intrinsic value

The intrinsic value is the difference between the underlying asset’s current price and the option’s strike price. Unlike time value, the intrinsic value is unaffected by the expiry date.

Example

Consider a movie ticket that is valid for a specific date. As the date of the movie approaches, the ticket’s value diminishes because there’s less time to use it. After the show date, the ticket becomes worthless, just like an expired option.

The importance of expiry dates in option trading strategies

Expiry dates play a pivotal role in forming trading strategies. The timing of the expiry can impact your decision on whether to exercise the option, let it expire, or sell it before the expiry.

Short-term strategies

For traders looking to capitalize on short-term movements in the market, weekly or monthly options might be ideal.

Long-term strategies

Investors with a long-term view might prefer LEAPS, as they offer more time for the trade to play out.

Hedging

Expiry dates are crucial when options are used for hedging purposes. For instance, a company might use options with expiry dates that align with key business events like earnings reports.

Examples of Options Expiry

Monthly expiry

You buy a Nifty 50 call option with an expiry date at the end of the month, allowing you to purchase the Nifty index at 19,500 Rupees. If the Nifty 50 index rises to 20,000 Rupees before the expiry, you can exercise your option for a profit. However, if the Nifty 50 stays below 19,500 Rupees, the option expires worthless.

Weekly expiry

You purchase a weekly option on a stock trading at 1500 Rupees, with the option strike price set at 1550 Rupees. You expect the stock price to rise within the week. If the stock price hits 1560 Rupees before the weekly expiry, you can exercise the option and profit from the difference. If the price remains below 1550 Rupees, the option expires worthless.

Quarterly expiry

An institutional investor might buy a quarterly put option to hedge against a potential decline in the market. If the market drops significantly before the quarter ends, the investor can exercise the option and limit losses.

Advanced concepts about Expiry Date in Options

1. Implied volatility and Expiry date

Implied volatility reflects the market’s expectation of future volatility and impacts the price of options. Options with longer expiry dates typically have higher implied volatility, as there’s more time for the underlying asset’s price to change.

2. Theta and Time decay

Theta measures the rate of time decay in an option’s price. As the expiry date approaches, Theta increases, causing the option’s value to decay faster.

3. Expiry date and Liquidity

Options with near-term expiry dates tend to have higher liquidity, meaning they are easier to buy and sell in the market. However, options with long-term expiry dates might have lower liquidity, making them more difficult to trade.

Risks of Expiry Date

Risk of expiry

One of the most significant risks in options trading is the potential for the option to expire worthless. If the underlying asset’s price doesn’t move in the anticipated direction before the expiry date, the option holder could lose the entire premium paid.

Market movements

Unforeseen market events can significantly impact the value of an option as the expiry date approaches. Traders must be aware of upcoming economic events, earnings reports, and geopolitical developments.

Assignment risk

If you hold a short option position (selling options), you may be assigned, meaning you’ll be obligated to fulfill the terms of the contract before the expiry date. This risk increases as the expiry date nears, especially for options that are in the money.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a novice trader or an experienced investor, knowing the intricacies of expiry dates can give you an edge in the markets. Just as you wouldn’t buy a product without knowing its expiry date, you shouldn’t enter an options trade without fully understanding when the option expires and how it can affect your strategy.

Key takeaways

• Expiry dates determine the last day you can exercise an option.
• Time decay reduces the value of an option as the expiry date approaches.
• Different types of expiry dates (weekly, monthly, quarterly) cater to various trading strategies.
• Advanced concepts like implied volatility and Theta are crucial for understanding options pricing.
• Risks associated with expiry dates include the potential loss of premium and assignment risk.

By mastering the concept of expiry dates, you can better navigate the complexities of options trading and enhance your ability to achieve your financial goals.