Expiration Dates

Expiration

Cryptocurrency derivatives, like futures and options, necessitate a defined expiration, representing the final date for contract settlement. This date dictates the timeframe within which the underlying asset’s price will be referenced for payoff calculation, influencing time decay—theta—and strategic positioning. Understanding expiration is crucial for managing risk, as positions held past this date typically result in automatic exercise or assignment, potentially leading to unintended consequences. The selection of an expiration date is a key component of options strategies, directly impacting premium costs and potential profit profiles.