[--[65.84.65.76]--]

FINNIFTY

Nifty Financial Services
27549.75 -137.40 (-0.50%)
L: 27460.4 H: 27638.05
Max Pain - FINNIFTY
09 Dec 2025 04:12 PM IST Market Closed


Strike  24000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  147,032,275,000 Combined total value = 147,032,275,000

Strike  24050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  144,816,425,000 Combined total value = 144,816,425,000

Strike  24100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  142,600,575,000 Combined total value = 142,600,575,000

Strike  24150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  140,384,725,000 Combined total value = 140,384,725,000

Strike  24200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  138,168,875,000 Combined total value = 138,168,875,000

Strike  24250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  135,953,025,000 Combined total value = 135,953,025,000

Strike  24300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  133,737,175,000 Combined total value = 133,737,175,000

Strike  24350  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  131,521,325,000 Combined total value = 131,521,325,000

Strike  24400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  129,305,475,000 Combined total value = 129,305,475,000

Strike  24450  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  127,089,625,000 Combined total value = 127,089,625,000

Strike  24500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  124,873,775,000 Combined total value = 124,873,775,000

Strike  24550  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  122,657,925,000 Combined total value = 122,657,925,000

Strike  24600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  120,442,075,000 Combined total value = 120,442,075,000

Strike  24650  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  118,226,225,000 Combined total value = 118,226,225,000

Strike  24700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  116,010,375,000 Combined total value = 116,010,375,000

Strike  24750  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  113,794,525,000 Combined total value = 113,794,525,000

Strike  24800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  111,578,675,000 Combined total value = 111,578,675,000

Strike  24850  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  109,362,825,000 Combined total value = 109,362,825,000

Strike  24900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  107,146,975,000 Combined total value = 107,146,975,000

Strike  24950  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  104,931,125,000 Combined total value = 104,931,125,000

Strike  25000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  102,715,275,000 Combined total value = 102,715,275,000

Strike  25050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  100,524,125,000 Combined total value = 100,524,125,000

Strike  25100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  98,332,975,000 Combined total value = 98,332,975,000

Strike  25150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  96,141,825,000 Combined total value = 96,141,825,000

Strike  25200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  93,950,675,000 Combined total value = 93,950,675,000

Strike  25250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  91,759,525,000 Combined total value = 91,759,525,000

Strike  25300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  89,568,375,000 Combined total value = 89,568,375,000

Strike  25350  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  87,377,225,000 Combined total value = 87,377,225,000

Strike  25400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  85,186,075,000 Combined total value = 85,186,075,000

Strike  25450  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  82,994,925,000 Combined total value = 82,994,925,000

Strike  25500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  80,803,775,000 Combined total value = 80,803,775,000

Strike  25550  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  78,619,775,000 Combined total value = 78,619,775,000

Strike  25600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  76,435,775,000 Combined total value = 76,435,775,000

Strike  25650  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  74,251,775,000 Combined total value = 74,251,775,000

Strike  25700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  72,067,775,000 Combined total value = 72,067,775,000

Strike  25750  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  69,900,350,000 Combined total value = 69,900,350,000

Strike  25800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  67,732,925,000 Combined total value = 67,732,925,000

Strike  25850  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  65,575,250,000 Combined total value = 65,575,250,000

Strike  25900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  63,417,575,000 Combined total value = 63,417,575,000

Strike  25950  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  61,275,175,000 Combined total value = 61,275,175,000

Strike  26000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  59,132,775,000 Combined total value = 59,132,775,000

Strike  26050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  57,093,400,000 Combined total value = 57,093,400,000

Strike  26100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  55,054,025,000 Combined total value = 55,054,025,000

Strike  26150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  53,107,600,000 Combined total value = 53,107,600,000

Strike  26200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  51,161,175,000 Combined total value = 51,161,175,000

Strike  26250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  49,309,325,000 Combined total value = 49,309,325,000

Strike  26300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  47,457,475,000 Combined total value = 47,457,475,000

Strike  26350  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  45,605,625,000 Combined total value = 45,605,625,000

Strike  26400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  43,753,775,000 Combined total value = 43,753,775,000

Strike  26450  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  41,901,925,000 Combined total value = 41,901,925,000

Strike  26500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  40,050,075,000 Combined total value = 40,050,075,000

Strike  26550  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  38,279,475,000 Combined total value = 38,279,475,000

Strike  26600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  36,508,875,000 Combined total value = 36,508,875,000

Strike  26650  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  34,738,275,000 Combined total value = 34,738,275,000

Strike  26700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  32,967,675,000 Combined total value = 32,967,675,000

Strike  26750  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  31,242,250,000 Combined total value = 31,242,250,000

Strike  26800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  29,522,675,000 Combined total value = 29,522,675,000

Strike  26850  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  27,816,750,000 Combined total value = 27,816,750,000

Strike  26900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  26,110,825,000 Combined total value = 26,110,825,000

Strike  26950  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  24,420,175,000 Combined total value = 24,420,175,000

Strike  27000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  22,729,525,000 Combined total value = 22,729,525,000

Strike  27050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  21,128,575,000 Combined total value = 21,128,575,000

Strike  27100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  19,527,625,000 Combined total value = 19,527,625,000

Strike  27150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  17,987,125,000 Combined total value = 17,987,125,000

Strike  27200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  16,446,625,000 Combined total value = 16,446,625,000

Strike  27250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  14,906,125,000 Combined total value = 14,906,125,000

Strike  27300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  13,365,625,000 Combined total value = 13,365,625,000

Strike  27350  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  11,867,700,000 Combined total value = 11,867,700,000

Strike  27400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  10,381,150,000 Combined total value = 10,381,150,000

Strike  27450  has a total call value of 9,100,000  versus a total put value of  8,980,400,000 Combined total value = 8,989,500,000

Strike  27500  has a total call value of 22,750,000  versus a total put value of  7,590,375,000 Combined total value = 7,613,125,000

Strike  27550  has a total call value of 221,650,000  versus a total put value of  6,470,750,000 Combined total value = 6,692,400,000

Strike  27600  has a total call value of 439,075,000  versus a total put value of  5,378,750,000 Combined total value = 5,817,825,000

Strike  27650  has a total call value of 722,800,000  versus a total put value of  4,359,225,000 Combined total value = 5,082,025,000

Strike  27700  has a total call value of 1,024,725,000  versus a total put value of  3,373,175,000 Combined total value = 4,397,900,000

Strike  27750  has a total call value of 1,412,125,000  versus a total put value of  2,519,075,000 Combined total value = 3,931,200,000

Strike  27800  has a total call value of 1,820,650,000  versus a total put value of  1,694,550,000 Combined total value = 3,515,200,000

Strike  27850  has a total call value of 2,411,500,000  versus a total put value of  1,311,700,000 Combined total value = 3,723,200,000

Strike  27900  has a total call value of 3,074,500,000  versus a total put value of  969,475,000 Combined total value = 4,043,975,000

Strike  27950  has a total call value of 3,826,550,000  versus a total put value of  695,500,000 Combined total value = 4,522,050,000

Strike  28000  has a total call value of 4,615,975,000  versus a total put value of  433,875,000 Combined total value = 5,049,850,000

Strike  28050  has a total call value of 5,729,750,000  versus a total put value of  339,625,000 Combined total value = 6,069,375,000

Strike  28100  has a total call value of 6,884,475,000  versus a total put value of  245,375,000 Combined total value = 7,129,850,000

Strike  28150  has a total call value of 8,169,200,000  versus a total put value of  151,125,000 Combined total value = 8,320,325,000

Strike  28200  has a total call value of 9,468,550,000  versus a total put value of  60,450,000 Combined total value = 9,529,000,000

Strike  28250  has a total call value of 11,306,425,000  versus a total put value of  50,375,000 Combined total value = 11,356,800,000

Strike  28300  has a total call value of 13,226,850,000  versus a total put value of  40,300,000 Combined total value = 13,267,150,000

Strike  28350  has a total call value of 15,210,975,000  versus a total put value of  30,225,000 Combined total value = 15,241,200,000

Strike  28400  has a total call value of 17,195,100,000  versus a total put value of  20,150,000 Combined total value = 17,215,250,000

Strike  28450  has a total call value of 19,204,900,000  versus a total put value of  10,075,000 Combined total value = 19,214,975,000

Strike  28500  has a total call value of 21,229,975,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 21,229,975,000

Strike  28550  has a total call value of 23,377,900,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 23,377,900,000

Strike  28600  has a total call value of 25,525,825,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 25,525,825,000

Strike  28650  has a total call value of 27,788,475,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 27,788,475,000

Strike  28700  has a total call value of 30,051,125,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 30,051,125,000

Strike  28750  has a total call value of 32,313,775,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 32,313,775,000

Strike  28800  has a total call value of 34,596,250,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 34,596,250,000

Strike  28850  has a total call value of 36,931,375,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 36,931,375,000

Strike  28900  has a total call value of 39,266,500,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 39,266,500,000

Strike  28950  has a total call value of 41,629,250,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 41,629,250,000

Strike  29000  has a total call value of 43,992,000,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 43,992,000,000

Strike  29050  has a total call value of 46,470,775,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 46,470,775,000

Strike  29100  has a total call value of 49,123,425,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 49,123,425,000

Strike  29150  has a total call value of 51,776,075,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 51,776,075,000

Strike  29200  has a total call value of 54,428,725,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 54,428,725,000

Strike  29250  has a total call value of 57,105,100,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 57,105,100,000

Strike  29300  has a total call value of 59,781,475,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 59,781,475,000

Strike  29350  has a total call value of 62,457,850,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 62,457,850,000

Strike  29400  has a total call value of 65,134,225,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 65,134,225,000

Strike  29450  has a total call value of 67,813,200,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 67,813,200,000

Strike  29500  has a total call value of 70,492,175,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 70,492,175,000

Strike  29550  has a total call value of 73,265,725,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 73,265,725,000

Strike  29600  has a total call value of 76,039,275,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 76,039,275,000

Strike  29650  has a total call value of 78,907,400,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 78,907,400,000

Strike  29700  has a total call value of 81,775,525,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 81,775,525,000

Strike  29750  has a total call value of 84,644,300,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 84,644,300,000

Strike  29800  has a total call value of 87,513,075,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 87,513,075,000

Strike  29850  has a total call value of 90,386,075,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 90,386,075,000

Strike  29900  has a total call value of 93,259,075,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 93,259,075,000

Strike  29950  has a total call value of 96,135,000,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 96,135,000,000

Strike  30000  has a total call value of 99,010,925,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 99,010,925,000

Strike  30050  has a total call value of 101,907,000,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 101,907,000,000

Strike  30100  has a total call value of 104,803,075,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 104,803,075,000

Strike  30150  has a total call value of 107,699,150,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 107,699,150,000

Strike  30200  has a total call value of 110,595,225,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 110,595,225,000

Strike  30250  has a total call value of 113,491,300,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 113,491,300,000

Strike  30300  has a total call value of 116,387,375,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 116,387,375,000

Strike  30350  has a total call value of 119,283,450,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 119,283,450,000

Strike  30400  has a total call value of 122,179,525,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 122,179,525,000

Strike  30450  has a total call value of 125,075,600,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 125,075,600,000

Strike  30500  has a total call value of 127,971,675,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 127,971,675,000

Max-Pain Table for Stocks
  Note:- click on symbol to see more detailed view
Max Pain Table (Stocks)
Symbol Symbol Ltp Max Pain
360ONE 1117.9 1140
ABB 5117 5150
ABCAPITAL 364.05 350
ADANIENSOL 974.6 970
ADANIENT 2245.2 2300
ADANIGREEN 998.9 1020
ADANIPORTS 1497.2 1500
ALKEM 5667.5 5700
AMBER 6682.5 6500
AMBUJACEM 533.05 550
ANGELONE 2533.5 2600
APLAPOLLO 1740.8 1740
APOLLOHOSP 7091 7300
ASHOKLEY 159.58 156
ASIANPAINT 2796 2840
ASTRAL 1428.4 1460
AUBANK 972.05 950
AUROPHARMA 1163.6 1220
AXISBANK 1275.9 1270
BAJAJ-AUTO 8961 9100
BAJAJFINSV 2069.5 2080
BAJFINANCE 1016.7 1020
BANDHANBNK 141 150
BANKBARODA 289.85 290
BANKINDIA 141.64 145
BDL 1427.4 1480
BEL 389.45 405
BHARATFORG 1383.3 1400
BHARTIARTL 2089.7 2100
BHEL 277 280
BIOCON 383.65 395
BLUESTARCO 1738.6 1760
BOSCHLTD 36780 36500
BPCL 355.05 362.5
BRITANNIA 5884 5850
BSE 2715.8 2800
CAMS 749.5 780
CANBK 146.19 147
CDSL 1517.2 1580
CGPOWER 667.8 680
CHOLAFIN 1731.2 1700
CIPLA 1490.6 1520
COALINDIA 379.35 380
COFORGE 1873.5 1860
COLPAL 2158.9 2180
CONCOR 505.65 520
CROMPTON 253.15 265
CUMMINSIND 4479.1 4450
CYIENT 1131.6 1160
DABUR 503.6 510
DALBHARAT 1968 2000
DELHIVERY 415.3 420
DIVISLAB 6294 6400
DIXON 13517 14000
DLF 690.05 720
DMART 3910 4000
DRREDDY 1246.2 1260
EICHERMOT 7123 7100
ETERNAL 291.7 300
EXIDEIND 373.4 380
FEDERALBNK 260.85 255
FORTIS 863.85 900
GAIL 167.89 175
GLENMARK 1938.5 1940
GMRAIRPORT 100.41 102
GODREJCP 1128.8 1140
GODREJPROP 2043 2080
GRASIM 2746 2760
HAL 4303 4500
HAVELLS 1419.8 1440
HCLTECH 1657.6 1660
HDFCAMC 2558.9 2640
HDFCBANK 997.1 1000
HDFCLIFE 762.9 770
HEROMOTOCO 6001 6100
HFCL 67.21 70
HINDALCO 812.9 800
HINDPETRO 448.75 455
HINDUNILVR 2306.5 2340
HINDZINC 491.45 490
HUDCO 213.48 225
ICICIBANK 1375.2 1380
ICICIGI 1945.3 2000
ICICIPRULI 623.6 620
IDEA 10.74 10
IDFCFIRSTB 80.91 80
IEX 141.19 145
IIFL 567.25 560
INDHOTEL 727.75 730
INDIANB 793.9 820
INDIGO 4967.5 5050
INDUSINDBK 844.35 860
INDUSTOWER 403.05 405
INFY 1599 1600
INOXWIND 124.32 135
IOC 163.01 163
IRCTC 669.95 685
IREDA 134.46 140
IRFC 113.64 117
ITC 401.05 405
JINDALSTEL 1002.8 1020
JIOFIN 293.2 305
JSWENERGY 451.2 480
JSWSTEEL 1107.8 1140
JUBLFOOD 583.5 600
KALYANKJIL 473.35 480
KAYNES 4331 5000
KEI 4073 4050
KFINTECH 1039.6 1080
KOTAKBANK 2127.7 2120
KPITTECH 1206.1 1220
LAURUSLABS 1021.4 1000
LICHSGFIN 533.2 550
LICI 860.95 890
LODHA 1076 1140
LT 3997.5 4000
LTF 307.3 302.5
LTIM 6245.5 6200
LUPIN 2051.8 2060
M&M 3635.9 3700
MANAPPURAM 275.2 280
MANKIND 2180.4 2250
MARICO 730.5 730
MARUTI 16020 16100
MAXHEALTH 1074.7 1120
MAZDOCK 2489.1 2600
MCX 10358 10100
MFSL 1690.9 1700
MOTHERSON 116.75 115
MPHASIS 2878.8 2900
MUTHOOTFIN 3742.1 3700
NATIONALUM 265.65 265
NAUKRI 1376.3 1380
NBCC 108.1 112
NCC 162.68 170
NESTLEIND 1215.8 1240
NHPC 76.47 78
NMDC 74.83 76
NTPC 319.85 325
NUVAMA 7074 7200
NYKAA 252.95 257.5
OBEROIRLTY 1628 1640
OFSS 8062 8200
OIL 401.9 415
ONGC 239.84 240
PAGEIND 37195 38000
PATANJALI 539 550
PAYTM 1316.7 1300
PERSISTENT 6302 6300
PETRONET 269.25 280
PFC 342.5 360
PGEL 556.45 560
PHOENIXLTD 1739.2 1720
PIDILITIND 1459.8 1480
PIIND 3343 3400
PNB 117.83 120
PNBHOUSING 882.6 900
POLICYBZR 1957.3 1900
POLYCAB 7194 7300
POWERGRID 264.55 272.5
POWERINDIA 19500 19500
PPLPHARMA 173.34 182.5
PRESTIGE 1632.9 1660
RBLBANK 304.1 310
RECLTD 342.85 360
RELIANCE 1529.4 1540
RVNL 312.7 315
SAIL 129.15 134
SAMMAANCAP 141.59 160
SBICARD 865.35 880
SBILIFE 2006.2 2020
SBIN 959.35 965
SHREECEM 26100 26500
SHRIRAMFIN 846.7 840
SIEMENS 3142.8 3300
SOLARINDS 12588 13000
SONACOMS 479.15 500
SRF 2894.8 2900
SUNPHARMA 1776 1800
SUPREMEIND 3329.6 3400
SUZLON 52.55 54
SYNGENE 627.15 640
TATACONSUM 1146.7 1160
TATAELXSI 4979.5 5200
TATAMOTORS 0 320
TATAPOWER 376.25 390
TATASTEEL 160.67 170
TATATECH 652.1 680
TCS 3208.3 3200
TECHM 1561.6 1540
TIINDIA 2655.4 2750
TITAGARH 773.85 800
TITAN 3849 3840
TMPV 344.7 360
TORNTPHARM 3763.9 3750
TORNTPOWER 1259 1300
TRENT 4085.4 4300
TVSMOTOR 3614.5 3550
ULTRACEMCO 11414 11700
UNIONBANK 150.43 152.5
UNITDSPR 1435.4 1440
UNOMINDA 1231.7 1300
UPL 739.7 750
VBL 471.55 470
VEDL 516.15 520
VOLTAS 1335.9 1360
WIPRO 257.41 255
YESBANK 22.02 23
ZYDUSLIFE 920.25 930

Note:
Stock LTP > Max Pain Bearish Trend
Stock LTP < Max Pain Bullish Trend
Frequently Asked Questions

Max Pain, also known as the max pain price, is the strike price at which the maximum number of option contracts (both puts and calls) would expire worthless, causing the largest financial losses for option holders at expiration. This price point represents the level where option writers would experience the least payout obligation.

The max pain theory suggests that as expiration approaches, market makers and option writers may attempt to influence the stock price toward this level to minimize their payout obligations, making it a significant reference point for traders analyzing option expiration dynamics.

Max Pain is calculated by determining the total dollar value of in-the-money options at each strike price. Here's the step-by-step process:

  1. For each strike price: Calculate the difference between the current stock price and the strike price.
  2. Multiply by Open Interest: Multiply this difference by the open interest (number of contracts) at that strike for both call and put options.
  3. Sum the values: Add together the dollar value for put options and call options at each strike price.
  4. Repeat for all strikes: Perform this calculation for every available strike price in the option chain.
  5. Identify the maximum: The strike price with the highest combined dollar value is the Max Pain price.

This calculation helps identify the price level where option writers would face the maximum financial loss if the stock closes at that price on expiration day.

Traders can incorporate Max Pain analysis into their trading strategy in several ways:

  • Expiration Day Trading: As option expiration approaches, traders can use Max Pain as a potential support or resistance level, as market makers may attempt to push the price toward this level.
  • Option Selection: Understanding Max Pain helps traders choose strike prices that are less likely to be manipulated, potentially improving their option trade outcomes.
  • Risk Management: If a stock is trading far from Max Pain before expiration, traders can anticipate potential price movement toward this level and adjust their positions accordingly.
  • Market Sentiment Indicator: Comparing the current stock price to Max Pain can provide insights into market sentiment and potential price direction near expiration.
  • Hedging Strategy: Option writers can use Max Pain to identify strike prices where they might face the least payout risk, helping them structure more efficient hedging strategies.

Max Pain provides insights into potential stock price behavior, especially near option expiration:

  • Price Magnet Effect: If the stock price is significantly above or below Max Pain before expiration, there may be a tendency for the price to move toward Max Pain as expiration approaches, as option writers hedge their positions.
  • Support/Resistance Level: Max Pain can act as a psychological and technical support or resistance level, especially on expiration day, as it represents the price where maximum option value would be lost.
  • Volatility Indicator: A large gap between current price and Max Pain may indicate higher potential volatility or price movement as expiration nears.
  • Market Maker Activity: Significant open interest concentration around Max Pain suggests where market makers might have the most incentive to influence price movement through their hedging activities.

Note: Max Pain is a theoretical concept and should be used in conjunction with other technical and fundamental analysis tools, as it does not guarantee price movement.

Max Pain is a dynamic value that changes continuously based on several factors:

  • Open Interest Changes: As traders open and close option positions, the open interest at different strike prices changes, which directly affects the Max Pain calculation.
  • Stock Price Movement: As the underlying stock price moves, different strike prices become in-the-money or out-of-the-money, altering the dollar value calculations.
  • Time Decay: As expiration approaches, the time value of options decreases, but the intrinsic value calculations for Max Pain continue to evolve with price movements.
  • New Option Contracts: When new strike prices are added or when significant new positions are opened, Max Pain may shift to reflect the new distribution of open interest.

For accurate Max Pain analysis, traders should monitor it regularly, especially in the days leading up to expiration, as it can shift significantly as market conditions and option positions change.

Max Pain and Spot Price are two distinct concepts that serve different purposes in options trading:

  • Spot Price (Current Market Price): This is the current trading price of the underlying stock or index in the market. It represents the real-time value at which the asset can be bought or sold immediately.
  • Max Pain Price: This is a calculated theoretical price level based on option open interest data. It represents the strike price where option writers would face minimum payout obligations, not necessarily where the stock is currently trading.

The relationship between these two prices is crucial: when the spot price is far from Max Pain, traders may anticipate potential price movement toward Max Pain as expiration approaches. However, this is not guaranteed, and many other factors influence stock price movement.

No, Max Pain is not always accurate and should not be used as the sole indicator for predicting stock price movement. Here's why:

  • Market Forces: Strong fundamental news, earnings reports, or significant market events can override the Max Pain effect and drive prices in unexpected directions.
  • Institutional Activity: Large institutional trades, algorithmic trading, and other market participants may have different objectives than minimizing option payouts.
  • Limited Influence: While market makers may attempt to influence price toward Max Pain, their ability to do so is limited, especially in highly liquid stocks with strong directional momentum.
  • Multiple Expirations: Stocks often have options expiring on different dates (weekly, monthly), which means multiple Max Pain levels may exist simultaneously, reducing the predictive power of any single level.
  • Statistical Tool: Max Pain is best viewed as a statistical tool that provides context about option market dynamics rather than a guaranteed price target.

Traders should use Max Pain as one of many tools in their analysis, combining it with technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment indicators for more comprehensive decision-making.

Max Pain becomes increasingly relevant as option expiration approaches:

  • Last Trading Week: Max Pain analysis is most useful during the final week before expiration, when option writers are actively hedging and the "pinning effect" (price movement toward Max Pain) is most likely to occur.
  • Expiration Day: On the day of expiration, Max Pain can serve as a key reference level, as market makers may attempt to keep the stock price near this level to minimize their payout obligations.
  • High Open Interest: Max Pain is more reliable when there is significant open interest concentrated around specific strike prices, as this indicates where option writers have the most exposure.
  • Low Volatility Periods: During periods of low market volatility, Max Pain may have a stronger influence, as there are fewer competing forces driving price movement.
  • Monthly Expirations: Monthly option expirations (typically the third Friday) often show stronger Max Pain effects compared to weekly expirations, due to higher open interest and more significant market maker involvement.

While Max Pain can be calculated at any time, its predictive value and practical application increase significantly as expiration approaches, making it particularly useful for short-term trading strategies focused on expiration week dynamics.