
Vix options settlement is a crucial aspect of trading, and it's essential to grasp the process to avoid any potential issues.
The Vix options settlement process typically occurs on the third Friday of each month, unless it falls on a holiday, in which case it will be on the next business day.
When trading Vix options, you must have a clear understanding of the settlement process to ensure a smooth transaction.
The settlement price is determined by the Vix index value at the close of trading on the third Friday of the month, or the next business day if it falls on a holiday.
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Options Settlement Process
VIX options are European style, meaning you can only exercise them on the expiration date.
The settlement value of VIX options is cash settled, because there is no way of delivering the underlying, which is just an index. The settlement value is determined by the Special Opening Quotation (SOQ) of VIX.
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The SOQ is derived from opening prices or quotes of S&P500 options used for VIX calculation at the open on VIX options expiration date.
Here are the key factors that determine the settlement amount of a VIX option:
- Special Opening Quotation (SOQ) of VIX
- Option's strike price
- Difference between the two, multiplied by $100
Options Settlement Payment
Options settlement payment is made on the business day following expiration date.
The cash from VIX options settlement is delivered on the day after the expiration date, giving you time to process the payment.
VIX options settlement payment is a straightforward process, based on the difference between the Special Opening Quotation (SOQ) and the option's strike price, multiplied by $100.
The SOQ is calculated from opening prices or quotes of S&P500 options used for VIX calculation at the open on VIX options expiration date.
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Settlement of Derivatives
The settlement of derivatives is a crucial aspect of the options settlement process. The VIX Index settlement process is patterned after the process used to settle A.M.-settled S&P 500 Index options.
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The final settlement value for Volatility Derivatives is determined on the morning of their expiration date, usually a Wednesday, through a Special Opening Quotation (SOQ) of the VIX Index. This provides market participants with a mechanism to buy and sell SPX options at the prices used to calculate the final settlement value.
The Cboe Expiration and Holiday Calendars are essential for determining the expiration dates of Volatility Derivatives. You can find the expected opening information for Volatility Derivatives settlement on the Cboe website.
The settlement information for VIX Settlement Series can be found online, providing valuable insights into the settlement process.
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Options Expiration and Settlement
VIX options are European style, meaning you can only exercise them on the expiration date. This is when the exercise settlement value is also determined.
The settlement value for VIX options is cash settled, as there's no way to deliver the underlying index. Instead, it's based on the Special Opening Quotation (SOQ) of VIX, which is derived from opening prices or quotes of S&P 500 options used for VIX calculation at the open on VIX options expiration date.
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The settlement amount is the difference between the Special Opening Quotation and the option's strike price, multiplied by $100.
You can find the current VIX expiration calendar and history online. VIX options expiration dates are 30 days before the expiration of S&P 500 options, usually on a Wednesday.
The last trading day of VIX options is the business day before expiration, usually a Tuesday.
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- Expiration date: 30 days before S&P 500 options expiration, usually a Wednesday
- Last trading day: Business day before expiration, usually a Tuesday
The cash from VIX options settlement is delivered on the business day following expiration date.
Options Expiration and Exercising
VIX options are European style, meaning you can exercise them only on the expiration date. This is when the exercise settlement value is also determined.
The expiration dates of VIX options match VIX futures expirations. Traditionally, VIX options have followed the monthly expiration cycle, with up to six months available at a time.
You can exercise VIX options only at expiration, and they are cash settled because the underlying VIX Index is non-tradable. The exercise-settlement value is determined by the opening prices or quotes of S&P 500 options on the VIX options expiration date.
VIX options usually expire on Wednesday four weeks before a corresponding S&P 500 options expiration, unless there are holidays. If there are holidays, the expirations shift to the preceding trading day.
The last trading day of VIX options is the business day before expiration day, usually Tuesday.
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Options Settlement Value

VIX options are cash settled, which means they can't be delivered, and the underlying VIX Index is non-tradable.
The settlement value of a VIX option is determined by the Special Opening Quotation (SOQ) of VIX, which is derived from opening prices or quotes of S&P500 options used for VIX calculation at the open on VIX options expiration date.
If there's no trade on a particular S&P500 option, the average of bid and ask will be used to determine the settlement value.
The settlement amount of a particular VIX option is calculated by subtracting the option's strike price from the Special Opening Quotation and multiplying the result by $100.
Here's a step-by-step calculation of the settlement amount:
- Special Opening Quotation (SOQ) of VIX: $X
- Option's strike price: $Y
- Settlement amount: ($X - $Y) x $100
Frequently Asked Questions
When can VIX options be exercised?
VIX options can only be exercised at expiration, unlike other options which can be exercised at any time. This is due to their European-style designation.
How is the VIX settlement price calculated?
The VIX settlement price is calculated by subtracting the option's strike price from the Special Opening Quotation, then multiplying the result by $100. If no trade occurs, the average of bid and ask prices is used to determine the settlement value.
Sources
- https://www.macroption.com/vix-options-settlement/
- https://quant.stackexchange.com/questions/38631/settlement-of-vix-derivatives
- https://www.cboe.com/tradable_products/vix/vix_options/
- https://www.macroption.com/vix-options/
- https://optionstrategist.com/blog/2019/10/expiration-vix-futures-and-options-1620
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