Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval for Zero-Day Options on Mega-Cap Stocks
July 9, 2025 — Nasdaq is seeking regulatory approval to introduce zero-day-to-expiry (0DTE) options for a select group of individual stocks, including Nvidia (NVDA), potentially reshaping how traders approach single-stock volatility.
🔸 What’s Proposed
The exchange has filed a formal request with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to allow Monday and Wednesday expirations for certain high-volume stocks. This would give traders access to options that expire the same day they are traded — a structure currently available only for major index options like the S&P 500 (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 (NDX).
The proposal excludes earnings days to prevent price distortions caused by major corporate announcements.
🔸 Stocks Targeted for 0DTE Expansion
Nasdaq’s initial list includes:
- NVIDIA (NVDA)
- Tesla (TSLA)
- Apple (AAPL)
- Microsoft (MSFT)
- Amazon (AMZN)
- Meta Platforms (META)
- Alphabet (GOOGL)
- Broadcom (AVGO)
- Financial ETF XLF
These stocks were selected based on their heavy options volume and consistent liquidity, which can support ultra-short-term trading without major execution risk.
🔸 Why It Matters
Zero-day options have exploded in popularity in the index world, now making up a majority of S&P 500 options volume on many days. Extending this functionality to individual stocks could open the door to:
- Faster, more tactical trading strategies
- Increased retail and institutional participation
- Higher intraday volatility in certain names
For a name like NVIDIA, which already attracts significant options flow, 0DTE contracts could further cement its role as a day trader and market maker favorite.
🔸 What’s Next?
The SEC has up to 240 days to review and respond to the proposal. If approved, Nasdaq could begin offering 0DTE options on these stocks before the end of 2025.
The rollout would start with a conservative approach — just two expirations per week — to monitor market behavior and minimize risk during the early phase.
📌 Summary
Nasdaq is preparing to introduce zero-day options for popular individual stocks like NVIDIA, Tesla, and Apple, pending SEC approval. If greenlit, this move would significantly expand intraday options trading opportunities for retail and institutional investors alike — though with greater potential for volatility and risk.