Options on DIAMONDS® (DIA)
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Underlying:
Generally, 100 shares of DIAMONDS®, an exchange-traded fund designed to track the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Underlying Symbol:
DIA
Strike Price Intervals:
Strike prices are set at a minimum of 1-point increments.
Strike (Exercise) Prices:
In-, at- and out-of-the-money strike prices are initially listed. New series generally will be added when DIA shares trade through the highest or lowest strike price available.
Premium Quotation:
Stated in decimals. One point equals $100. Minimum tick for options trading below 3.00 is 0.05 ($5.00) and for all other series, 0.10 ($10.00).
Expiration Date:
Saturday immediately following the third Friday of the expiration month.
Expiration Months:
Three near-term months and three months from the March quarterly cycle (March, June, September and December). LEAPS may also be available.
Last Trading Day:
Trading in DIA options will ordinarily cease at the close on the business day (usually a Friday) preceding the expiration date.
Exercise Style:
American - DIA options generally may be exercised on any business day before the expiration date.
Settlement of Option Exercise:
Physical Delivery. Exercise notices properly tendered on any business day will result in delivery of DIA shares on the third business day following exercise.
Position and Exercise Limits:
75,000 contracts on the same side of the market.
Margin:
Uncovered writers must deposit 100% of the options proceeds plus 15% of the aggregate contract value (current DIA price multiplied by $100) minus the amount by which the option is out-of-the-money, if any. Minimum margin is 100% of the option proceeds plus 10% of the aggregate contract value. Long puts or calls must be paid in full.
Trading Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Central Time (Chicago time).