Quadruple Witching Explained With Examples

Quadruple witching, a mysterious and captivating term in the world of finance, commands the attention of traders and investors alike. This quarterly occurrence, shrouded in complexity and market intrigue, marks a pivotal moment in the stock market calendar. In this article, we delve into the depths of quadruple witching, unraveling its origins, significance, and impact on financial markets. From the convergence of four critical events to the potential for increased volatility and trading frenzy, we’ll explore the phenomenon’s inner workings. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or simply intrigued by the financial world’s intricacies, join us on this journey to decode the enigma of quadruple witching.

Quadruple witching, the term describing the simultaneous expiration of four distinct types of derivatives contracts—stock index futures, stock index options, stock options, and single stock futures—creates a unique and intense phenomenon in the financial world. While single stock futures have ceased trading in the U.S., the quarterly expiration of index futures and options, combined with the monthly expiration of stock options, sets the stage for a flurry of trading activity that captures the attention of market participants.

Contrary to its enigmatic name, the concept of quadruple witching is firmly rooted in the realm of market dynamics and trading strategies. The driving forces behind this event are the market makers, who engage in activities such as closing out expiring options contracts and managing their hedge positions. These actions contribute to an uptick in trading volume, providing insight into how various market participants adjust their portfolios and strategies in response to the imminent expiration of contracts.

In addition to market maker activities, another factor that adds to the dynamic nature of quadruple witching is the phenomenon of contract rolling. Traders frequently roll contracts ahead of their expiration dates, which involves closing out expiring positions and simultaneously entering into new contracts. This practice ensures continuity in trading strategies and positions, contributing further to the heightened trading activity observed during quadruple witching periods.

The impact of quadruple witching is amplified by quarterly index rebalancing, also known as reconstitution. During these “witching” days, portfolio managers who track indexes subject to rebalancing, such as those provided by S&P Dow Jones in the U.S. and FTSE in the U.K., may be required to execute trades that align with changes in index composition. This alignment with index changes adds an additional layer of complexity and opportunity to the trading landscape.

As the name suggests, quadruple witching involves four distinct classes of contracts that can expire simultaneously:

Stock options derive their value from underlying securities, granting buyers the right—but not the obligation—to trade a predetermined number of shares at a specific strike price before the options’ expiration date. Investors can choose between call options, which speculate on price increases, and put options, which profit from price declines. Monthly stock options contracts culminate on the third Friday of each month, creating a regular cycle of expiration events.

Similar in principle to stock options, index options derive their value from the performance of an equity index, rather than the price of a single stock. These options are cash-settled and follow a European-style exercise, allowing them to be exercised only on the expiration date. This distinction makes index options a unique and strategic instrument in the derivatives market.

Index futures represent legal agreements to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specified future date. These futures contracts trade on exchanges and are standardized with fixed quantities and expiration dates. Index futures, which can be used to hedge a portfolio, settle in cash at expiration, and their profitability is contingent on the value of the underlying index.

Although single stock futures were once part of the quadruple witching equation, their prominence has waned in the U.S. market since their cessation in 2020. These contracts obligated traders to take delivery of underlying stock at contract expiration, with each contract representing 100 shares. While they were once a player in the derivatives landscape, single stock futures are no longer a dominant force in quadruple witching events.

The convergence of monthly and quarterly derivatives expirations during quadruple witching events drives a surge in trading volume. In-the-money options contracts are subject to automatic exercise, which requires the delivery of underlying shares for call options. This leads to increased trading activity as traders buy or sell underlying shares to close out their options positions.

However, despite the heightened trading volume, quadruple witching events do not necessarily translate into increased market volatility. The interplay of different derivatives expirations and the strategies employed by market participants tend to create a complex balance that keeps overall market volatility within a manageable range.

During quadruple witching events, the focus of futures and options activities is on offsetting, closing, or rolling out positions. Traders engage in offsetting trades to close contracts or extend their positions by simultaneously closing the existing trade and entering into new options or futures contracts. This strategic maneuver allows traders to adapt to changing market conditions and expiration cycles, ensuring that their trading strategies remain relevant and effective.

Quadruple witching days create an environment ripe for arbitrage opportunities. The complex interplay of trading activities involving large blocks of contracts can lead to temporary price distortions. Savvy arbitrageurs can take advantage of these distortions to profit through well-timed trades. However, the same heightened trading activity that provides opportunities for gains can also expose traders to potential losses. Arbitrageurs must carefully navigate these opportunities, considering the potential risks alongside the rewards.

Quadruple witching days, with their convergence of derivatives expirations, unfold as moments of heightened activity that leave their mark on U.S. exchanges. The trading volume on these days becomes a vivid testament to the complexity and intensity of market dynamics during these quarterly events. However, peeling back the layers to discern the exact impact of expiring options and futures contracts on these occasions is akin to unraveling a complex tapestry.

Take, for instance, the case of Friday, March 15, 2019, which marked the first quadruple witching day of that year. The days leading up to this event buzzed with anticipation and activity, with market participants preparing for the convergence of multiple expirations. As reported by Reuters, the trading volume on U.S. market exchanges on that day reached a remarkable “10.8 billion shares, compared to the 7.5 billion average… over the last 20 trading days.” This surge in trading activity is a palpable reminder of the significance that quadruple witching events hold in the financial world.

However, amid the bustling trading floors and surging volume, isolating gains solely attributed to expiring options and futures contracts is a daunting challenge. Quadruple witching days coincide with a myriad of other market factors, including earnings releases, economic events, and global sentiment shifts, all of which contribute to the overall market performance. Untangling the various threads that collectively influence market gains is a puzzle that even the most experienced analysts find intricate.

While quadruple witching days undoubtedly create waves in the trading landscape, it’s important to recognize that these waves are part of a larger ocean of market forces. The complexity of the financial ecosystem ensures that gains, whether linked to expiring contracts or other market phenomena, are the result of a delicate interplay of variables that extend beyond the confines of any single event. As a result, attributing market gains solely to quadruple witching events remains a challenge, reminding us of the multifaceted nature of financial markets.

In the end, quadruple witching days serve as a microcosm of the broader financial ecosystem, reflecting the intricate interactions of various elements that shape market outcomes. While their impact is unmistakable, the true story of market gains is woven into a narrative that extends far beyond these quarterly events, painting a picture of a dynamic and interconnected world of trading and finance.

Originating from the late-night “witching hour,” the term is used to denote simultaneous expiration of stock and index options and futures contracts. It implies the possibility of market moves influenced by increased trading volume during quarterly events. Since single stock futures ceased trading in the U.S., it’s now known as “triple witching.”

Stock options contracts expire monthly, while index futures and options usually settle on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December.

Simultaneous expiration of multiple derivatives categories prompts higher trading volumes, as in-the-money options are exercised while market makers manage hedge positions.

Price movements may gravitate toward a strike price with significant open interest, creating temporary price distortions known as “pinning the strike.”