Option‐Expiration Effects in Small Markets: The Spanish Stock Exchange

This study analyzes the effect of the expiration of the Ibex‐35 Index derivatives, as well as the first four stock options traded in the Spanish Equity Derivatives Exchange, on the return, conditional volatility, and trading volume of the underlying assets. The analysis covers the period from the introduction of the various derivatives to December 1995. This period has been divided into two subperiods in order to determine if there are changes in the conclusions. The expiration of the Ibex‐35 index derivatives is associated with an increase in the trading volume of the underlying asset, but it has no significant effect on either the underlying asset prices or on the level of volatility on the expiration day. However, the expiration of the stock options has significant impact on their underlying assets. We observed a downward pressure on prices and a reduction of volatility level in the week before the expiration date and a significant increase in trading volume on the expiration day. The absence of futures contracts on individual stocks, among other possible causes, may explain these differences. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 21:905–928, 2001