Time until expiration


Time until expiration

The time remaining until a financial contract expires. Also called time to maturity.

Expiration Date

The date by which an option contract is abandoned and becomes worthless unless it is exercised. In an option contract, the holder has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell (depending on the type of option) the underlying asset within a certain period of time. The expiration date is the time at which the holder will lose the right to exercise the option. A European option can only be exercised on the expiration date, while an American option can be exercised at any point prior to the expiration date.

Term to Maturity

The amount of time that must elapse before a contract expires. The term to maturity can greatly affect the price of an option or futures contract. It is also called time to expiration. See also: Time value premium.