Options Traders Get Midweek Expirations: Mondays and Wednesdays Now in Play!
Published Date: 1/27/2026
Notice
Summary
MIAX Sapphire is updating its rules to let traders buy and sell options that expire on Mondays and Wednesdays, not just the usual Fridays. This change affects people trading options on certain stocks and ETFs, giving them more flexibility and chances to trade. The new rule is already in effect, so traders can start using these new expiration days right away!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Options Now Expire on Mondays and Wednesdays
The Exchange now permits up to two Monday and two Wednesday short-term expirations (in addition to weekly Friday expirations) for options on certain qualifying individual stocks and ETFs. The change is operative upon filing (filed January 16, 2026), so traders may start using the new Monday and Wednesday expirations immediately.
Only Very Large, Liquid Securities Qualify
To qualify for Monday and Wednesday expirations, a security must meet quarterly criteria: for an individual stock, market capitalization greater than $700 billion (measured on the last day of the prior calendar quarter); for an ETF, Assets Under Management greater than $50 billion (by NAV); monthly options volume (sides) greater than 10 million in the month preceding quarter-end; a position limit of at least 250,000 contracts; and participation in the Penny Interval Program.
No Expirations on Post-Close Earnings Days
The Exchange will not list a Monday or Wednesday expiry for a Qualifying Security on any day where there is an Earnings Announcement that takes place after market close. Earnings Announcements mean official quarterly or yearly earnings filed with the Commission; pre-announcements or guidance are not considered Earnings Announcements.
Series Limits, Strike Intervals, and Quarterly Listing Rule
For each eligible option class, the Exchange remains limited to opening 30 series per expiration date (the 30-series limit will apply to the Monday and Wednesday qualifying expirations). Monday and Wednesday qualifying expirations will use the same strike intervals as current SPY/QQQ/IWM Monday/Wednesday expirations (e.g., $0.50 increments below $100, $1 increments $100–$150, $2.50 above $150) and will be P.M.-settled. The Exchange will determine Qualifying Securities quarterly and publish the list by the close of business on the first trading day of each quarter; securities that stop meeting criteria will lose Monday/Wednesday expiries beginning the second day of the following quarter.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01525, Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX PEARL, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Exchange Rule 404, Series of Options Contracts Open for Trading, To Amend the Short Term Option Series Program
MIAX PEARL is updating its rules to allow options on certain stocks and ETFs to expire on Mondays and Wednesdays, not just Fridays. This means traders get more chances to buy and sell short-term options, making the market more flexible and exciting. The change is effective immediately, so watch for new trading opportunities right away!
Next: 2026-01527, Self-Regulatory Organizations; MIAX Emerald, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the MIAX Emerald Options Exchange Fee Schedule To Reflect Certain CRD Fees Collected by FINRA
MIAX Emerald is updating its fee schedule to match new registration and exam fees set by FINRA. This change affects traders and firms using the MIAX Emerald Options Exchange and takes effect immediately, so everyone should be ready for the updated costs. No big surprises—just a smooth fee update to keep things fair and clear.