Investor Glossary-expiration dateInsightful stock market charts - Click here

 # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z     
Term of the Day Email this Definition Link to this Definition

Expiration Date


In derivatives markets, the expiration date is the date that a security with a finite life, such as a futures or option contract, expires. With a futures contract, either cash settlement or physical delivery occurs after the expiration date. With an options contract, if the option is not exercised by the end of the day on the expiration date, the option expires worthless. If more than one type of derivative contract class expires on the same expiration date, then that date is said to be a double witching day, or triple witching day. For instance index options, stock options, and index futures all have an expiration date of the third Friday in March, June, September, and December. The concurrent expiration date makes those four days triple witching days. The term expiration date is very basic and used in many contexts. For example, an insurance policy may have a specific expiration date upon which the policy may terminate.

Rate this expiration date definition...

               


Where is the market headed? The answer may surprise you. Find out
right now with the exclusive & Barron's recommended charts of Chart of the Day.


Popular Terms: EBITDA, liquidity ratio, 401a, deferred tax, command economy, 144a, per diem, margin rate, deferred revenue, required rate of return, cancelled check, open position, stock split, ex-dividend, implied volatility, in escrow, irrevocable trust, limit order, quality assurance, risk management, 1035 exchange, Key Rate Duration, class C shares, current ratio, Zero Cost Collar, 1031 exchange, wholly-owned subsidiary, VIX, reverse mortgage, retained earnings, phantom income, option premium, minority interest, labor relations, ex-dividend date, covered put, real GDP, LIBOR, inflation, dividends payable, diluted share, debt service coverage, balance sheet, APR, equities, average price per share, FICO score, FTSE, stock market close


Home | Term of the Day | Tell a Friend | Suggest a Term | Edit Subscriber Detail
Accounting | Banking | Bonds | Brokers | Economy | Futures | Mutual Funds | Options | Real Estate | Retirement | Stocks | Taxes | Technical Analysis
©2004-2009 Investor Glossary - All rights reserved - Terms of Use