Option Premium Dissipation

Mechanism

Option premium dissipation refers to the gradual reduction in an option’s extrinsic value, or time value, as it approaches its expiration date. This phenomenon is quantified by Theta, which measures the rate at which an option loses value each day. The dissipation accelerates significantly in the final weeks and days before expiry, particularly for at-the-money and out-of-the-money options. It is an inherent characteristic of all options contracts.