F&O Monthly Expiry: May 2026

In the derivatives segment of the stock market, every contract comes with a defined contract end date. That date is known as the expiry date. Among the different types of expiries available in the derivatives market, the monthly F&O expiry day is the most widely tracked by traders and investors. It marks the final trading day for contracts that run for an entire month.

Because this date determines when positions must be closed, settled, or rolled over, it often leads to increased trading activity and noticeable price movements in the market. This page provides a regularly updated overview of monthly F&O expiry dates, along with an explanation of how these expiries work and why they matter for derivatives traders.

May 2026: Futures Contract Expiry Dates

May 2026: Options Contract Expiry Dates

What Is F&O Monthly Expiry?

A monthly expiry refers to the final trading day for futures and options contracts that are valid for an entire calendar month. Once this day arrives, the contract ceases to exist and must either be settled or rolled over into the next month’s contract.

When traders buy a futures or options contract, they are entering an agreement tied to a specific expiry date. After that date passes:

• The contract can no longer be traded
• Open positions are settled
• Profits or losses are realised

This expiry date cycle ensures that derivatives remain time-bound financial instruments.

What Happens on Monthly Expiry Day?

Expiry day tends to be one of the busiest trading sessions in the derivatives market.

Several things happen simultaneously:

• Settlement of Contracts: All contracts scheduled to expire are settled on expiry day. Futures positions are closed or settled, while options either expire worthless or get exercised depending on whether they are in-the-money.
• Rollovers: Traders who wish to continue their position usually shift their contracts to the next month on expiry day. This process is known as a rollover.
• Increased Trading Activity: As expiry date approaches, trading volumes often rise because traders rush to adjust their positions before the contracts expire.
• Higher Volatility: Price movements can become sharper near expiry date as time value in options declines and futures converge toward the spot price.