The process by which an option’s value drops over time i.e. as the option nears its expiry. Time decay occurs because, as an option nears expiry there is less time for the price of the instrument underlying the option to behave in the way the option's holder would like in order for the option to be profitable. As time runs out so does hope.

Term used to describe the decreasing time value in an option. It is not a straight-line relationship.Time decay increases exponentially as the expiration date is approached. As a rule of thumb, time decay increases rapidly from 30 days before expiration to expiration. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb, to minimise the adverse effects of time decay when buying options, purchase options that have at least 2-3 months left before expiration. And, if long an option, sell it when the 1-month to expiration date is reached. If you still want to be in that market, it's wiser to buy another option with more time left. If selling (writing) options, try to sell options with 30 days or less left before expiration so time decay works for you. Obviously, the more time left in the option, the more premium you'll receive when selling, so the above is a guideline. There are other factors, especially the historical volatility of an option compared to current volatility, that also must be factored into any option buying/selling.

The amount of time premium movement within a certain time frame on an option due to the passage of time in relation to the expiration of the option itself.

The fall in a warrant's value over time. The time value of a warrant declines daily to zero by the expiry date.

The nonlinear loss of value in an option over time when all other factors are constant. Time decay is quantified by theta.

see theta

Options are wasting assets, time decay measures the amount of points that will be lost or have been lost over a certain period of time

The process whereby the value of an option premium is eroded as expiry approaches.

A term used to describe how the theoretical value of an option "erodes" or reduc...

Related: theta.

The tendency of an option to decline in value as the expiration date approaches, especially if the price of the underlying instrument is exhibiting low volatility. See Time Value.

It is the ratio of the change in an option price to the decrease in time to expiration.

A term used to describe how the value of a warrant erodes or reduces with the passage of time. Time decay is quantified by theta.