A $1.9 Trillion Options Expiration Is Crucial Moment for Stock Hedgers
- VIX, skew show lack of demand for protection near market low
- A breakdown seen spurring put buying that compounds volatility
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As if another inflation shock and earnings drama at big banks weren’t enough for stock investors, Friday brings a critical moment where many option traders must decide their next move on hedging.
About $1.9 trillion of options are set to expire, obliging investors to either roll over existing positions or start new ones. The monthly event includes $925 billion of S&P 500-linked contracts and $395 billion of derivatives across single stocks scheduled to run out, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. estimates.