Friday Options Expiration Set to Increase US Stock Market Volatility from Historic Lows
Friday monthly options expiration arrives as market volatility sits near record lows. Technical factors suggest the event could trigger larger than average swings.
Insights:
The monthly options expiration in the US 
USscheduled for Friday, January 17, 2026, is expected to increase volatility in stock markets from current historically suppressed levels. The S&P 500 is currently hovering close to 7,000, which would mark a fresh record high for the index. However, trading has remained largely rangebound as ten-day volatility for the S&P 500recently slumped to 8.1% on Thursday, close to the lowest it has been over the last year. This current level is significantly lower than the 52-week average volatility level of 17.0%.
USscheduled for Friday, January 17, 2026, is expected to increase volatility in stock markets from current historically suppressed levels. The S&P 500 is currently hovering close to 7,000, which would mark a fresh record high for the index. However, trading has remained largely rangebound as ten-day volatility for the S&P 500recently slumped to 8.1% on Thursday, close to the lowest it has been over the last year. This current level is significantly lower than the 52-week average volatility level of 17.0%.
