Gold Futures Expiry Date Calendar and How to Manage Rollovers
Gold has always been the preferred asset for Indian investors. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures allow traders to speculate or hedge without owning the physical metal. But every contract comes with an expiry date, and missing it can cost you dearly.
This guide breaks down the MCX gold futures expiry calendar for 2025 and shows you how to manage rollovers efficiently to stay profitable and stress-free.
Understanding MCX Gold Futures Expiry Dates
Every MCX gold futures contract has a defined expiry date, after which it can no longer be traded. If you’re still holding it, you must either settle in cash or take/deliver physical gold, a costly surprise for unprepared traders.
On MCX, expiry dates typically vary based on the contract. It is advisable to refer to the MCX Settlement Calendar for accurate dates..
Here’s how it applies to gold variants:
Gold (1 kg) – Main contract; physical delivery possible.
Gold Mini (100 g) – Smaller size, physical settlement.
MCX Gold Futures Expiry Dates Calendar for October 2025
Here’s the complete MCX Gold Futures Expiry Date Calendar for 2025 across major contract types. Use this as a planning tool to track rollovers and prevent forced settlement.
As the expiry nears, traders close positions in the current month and open new ones in the next month, causing:
Open interest migration: Volume shifts to the next month.
Volatility spikes, especially in the final two trading days.
Margin changes: Exchanges increase margin requirements to manage risk.
If you hold a position through expiry without closing or rolling, you might be forced into delivery settlement. In MCX Gold Mini, this could mean arranging for 100 grams of 995-purity gold, a serious logistical and financial burden.
How to Manage MCX Gold Futures Rollovers
A rollover means shifting your position from the expiring contract to the next month’s contract while keeping your market view intact.
Step-by-Step Rollover Process:
Identify rollover window; Typically 3-4 trading days before expiry.
Square off your current position (e.g., sell March Gold).
Enter the same position in the next month (e.g., buy April Gold).
Check spread cost: The price difference between contracts.
Monitor liquidity: Ensure the next-month contract has active volume.
Example: If March Gold trades at ₹63,800 and April Gold at ₹63,870, your rollover cost is ₹70 (April premium).
Roll over too early, and you risk missing short-term moves; too late, and liquidity vanishes. Balance timing and spread wisely.
Advanced Rollover Strategies
Experienced traders often use calendar spreads to manage rollovers more efficiently. In this strategy, they simultaneously sell the near-month (expiring) futures contract and buy a longer-dated contract of the same asset. This helps maintain market exposure while minimizing the risk and transaction costs of closing and reopening positions separately.
It’s especially useful for traders who want to avoid delivery obligations and smoothly transition their holdings into the next expiry cycle.
Why Use Calendar Spreads?
Lower transaction costs.
Reduced slippage since both legs execute together.
Easier monitoring of rollover premium/discount levels.
Monitor spread charts on MCX or your trading terminal. When spreads are low, roll early. When premiums widen, wait for normalization. Institutional traders often stagger rollovers over several days to reduce market impact.
Risks of Poor Rollover Management
Neglecting expiry discipline can trigger heavy costs. Here are the major pitfalls:
Missed expiry: You’re forced into physical delivery or penalty settlement.
Gold Futures Expiry Date Calendar 2025: Essential Rollover Management Tips
Track expiry calendar.
Start monitoring 5 days before expiry.
Roll during liquid hours (11:30 AM – 3:30 PM).
Confirm trade in contract notes.
Best Practices for Tracking MCX Gold Futures Expiry Dates
Expiry tracking is easier when automated. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Use MCX circulars: Official notifications confirm contract expiry, delivery centers, and margin updates.
Set trading app alerts: Most terminals let you schedule reminders.
Use Mudrex dashboards: They display contract life cycles and rollover prompts.
Maintain a spreadsheet: Record all open positions and their expiry months.
Pro Tip: Integrate your expiry data into trading bots; most APIs allow automatic alerts three days before expiry.
Conclusion
MCX gold futures expiry dates aren’t just administrative details. They shape liquidity, volatility, and profitability.
By mastering the 2025 expiry calendar and following structured rollover steps, you can protect your capital, avoid forced settlements, and maintain uninterrupted exposure to gold’s price trends.
Explore more expert tutorials and trading insights on Mudrex Learn. Subscribe to the official Mudrex YouTube Channel for weekly videos on gold futures, rollovers, and trading psychology.
FAQs
1. What happens if I don’t roll over my MCX gold futures before expiry?
Your position will enter the delivery process. You must settle in physical gold or face penalties if you can’t meet delivery obligations.
2. How do I find the official expiry date for MCX gold contracts?
Visit the MCX website’s “Contract Specifications” section or check circulars under “Notices.”
3. What’s the best day to roll over a gold futures position?
Typically, three to four trading days before expiry, when spreads are narrow and liquidity is strong.
4. Is rollover cost the same for Gold and Gold Mini contracts?
Usually similar in direction, but the absolute cost differs slightly based on contract size and tick value.
5. Can MCX automatically roll my gold futures positions?
No. Rollovers must be executed manually or through a broker’s spread order. Always confirm both trades.
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