Expiry date definition
What is an expiry date in trading?
An expiry date (or expiration date) in trading is the point at which a position automatically closes. In other words, a trader will have to decide what they want to do with their open position before the expiry date. They could close it manually, leave it to expire or – depending on the instrument they’re using – roll it over.
Trade the South Africa 40 index
Take advantage of broad market movements in one simple trade.
Which financial products have expiry dates?
Only certain financial products have expiry dates – it varies from product to product. CFDs (contracts for difference) do not have an expiry date.
With options, the expiration date is the point at which the trader can choose to exercise the option or let it expire worthless – as they are under no obligation to exchange the asset.
How do expiry dates impact a position’s value?
How expiry dates impact a position’s value depend on the product. CFDs don’t have expiry dates and therefore the position’s value is not affected either.
With options, the value of the contract is influenced by the expiry date. After it expires, the contract has no value at all, so the longer it is until the expiry date, the more time the market has to hit the strike price.
The strike price is the price at which an option can be exercised, and the price at which the underlying asset will be bought or sold. This means that if you have two out of the money options with identical strike prices on the same market, the one with the later expiry date has more time to become at the money or in the money.
Build your trading knowledge
Discover how to trade with IG Academy, using our series of interactive courses, webinars and seminars.
Help and support
Get answers about your account or our services.
Call 010 500 8626
Or ask about opening an account on 010 500 8624 or newaccounts.za@ig.com.
We're here 24hrs a day from 9am Saturday to 11pm Friday.
Contact us
Interested in opening an account?
Contact 010 500 8624 or
Want to check on your application's progress? Email
Clients: Help and support
