Gold has been a popular investment option for several decades. Along with offering capital appreciation to investors, it also acts as a hedge against inflation. Previously, investors and traders traded gold physically; however, now gold futures & options have made the process streamlined and convenient. For traders, understanding the factors that affect gold prices is essential, as is knowing the gold futures & options expiry dates for 2025.
Gold futures & options are derivative contracts of gold. A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its value from the underlying asset and has no intrinsic value. The value of gold futures & options changes as the price of gold changes.
Futures & options are a convenient way to trade gold. The parties involved in these contracts agree to purchase or sell the commodity on a specific date at a predetermined price. The last date on which these contracts can be traded is known as the expiry day. Upon expiry, the contracts lose value, and the parties involved can settle the contract either through cash or physical delivery.
Here are the expiry dates for MCX gold futures contracts in 2025 -
Contract Month |
Contract Launch Date |
Contract Expiry Date |
February 2025 |
February 2024 |
February 5, 2025 |
April 2025 |
April 2024 |
April 4, 2025 |
June 2025 |
June 2024 |
June 5, 2025 |
August 2025 |
August 2024 |
August 5, 2025 |
October 2025 |
October 2024 |
October 3, 2025 |
December 2025 |
December 2024 |
December 5, 2025 |
Here are the expiry dates for MCX gold options contracts in 2025 -
Contract Month |
Contract Launch Date |
Contract Expiry Month |
January 2025 |
February 2024 |
January 27, 2025 |
February 2025 |
November 2024 |
February 28, 2025 |
March 2025 |
April 2024 |
March 26, 2025 |
April 2025 |
November 2024 |
April 30, 2025 |
May 2025 |
June 2024 |
May 27, 2025 |
June 2025 |
November 2024 |
June 30, 2025 |
July 2025 |
August 2024 |
July 25, 2025 |
August 2025 |
November 2024 |
August 29, 2025 |
September 2025 |
October 2024 |
September 23, 2025 |
October 2025 |
December 2024 |
TBA |
November 2025 |
December 2024 |
TBA |
December 2025 |
February 2025 |
TBA |
Commodity prices tend to be volatile; however, the derivative contracts of commodities exhibit heightened volatility as expiration approaches. The change in the price of the commodity impacts derivative prices. Let’s examine some key factors that influence the gold price.
The primary factors that impact gold prices are demand and supply. When the demand for a commodity exceeds its supply, it can lead to an increase in the price of that commodity. Meanwhile, if the supply of the commodity exceeds demand, prices decline.
Gold is considered a precious metal due to its scarcity. The metal is mined, and the output plays a role in the overall supply of the commodity. For example, if mining outputs are impacted, it can drive up the price of gold.
Gold prices are closely tied to economic indicators such as inflation and GDP growth. Gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation, which is why investors prefer to invest in the metal during periods of rising inflation. Similarly, economic cycles like growth and recession also impact gold prices. For example, during a recession, investors might invest in gold to preserve wealth.
Central banks play a crucial role in the pricing of gold. Central banks take key monetary policy decisions, such as interest rates. When central banks raise interest rates, the price of gold declines as investors move their money to investments that offer a higher yield. Similarly, in a low-interest-rate environment, liquidity increases, which in turn leads to higher gold prices.
Fluctuations in currency rates also significantly impact gold prices. Gold is priced in the U.S. dollar. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar impact the demand and supply for gold. If the U.S. dollar strengthens against other currencies, purchasing gold becomes expensive, which leads to lower demand. As demand declines, the value of gold also declines. On the contrary, if the U.S. dollar weakens against other currencies, the demand for gold increases, leading to an increase in the price of the metal.
Gold is considered a safe-haven investment, with many investors preferring to invest in the metal during times of uncertainty. Events such as wars, trade restrictions, or political instability lead to increased uncertainty amongst investors. In such situations, the price of gold increases as investors consider it a safe bet which can help preserve wealth.