Here’s a more detailed explanation of what happens during quadruple witching:
Stock Index Futures: These are contracts to buy or sell a stock index at a future date for a predetermined price.
Stock Index Options: These give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock index at a specified price before the contract expires.
Stock Options: These give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a specific stock at a specified price before the contract expires.
Single Stock Futures: These are contracts to buy or sell shares of an individual stock at a future date for a predetermined price.