Definition
ES (E-mini S&P 500) and NQ (E-mini Nasdaq-100) contracts expire four times a year, on the third Friday of March, June, September and December.
The story
That's why you'll see contracts labeled by month, like "Dec" or "Mar." On those third Fridays, the expiring contract settles and attention moves to the next one.
Why markets watch it
Expiration days can be busier than usual.
Connects to
Expiration and rollE-mini S&P 500E-mini Nasdaq-100Options expiration
We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms