triple witching hour

noun

1. the last hour of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the four Fridays each year when stock options, stock index futures, and options on such futures simultaneously expire: regarded as a time of extreme volatility in trading.

Word History and Origins

Origin of triple witching hour¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

It was a triple witching hour.

From Golf Digest

Investors took in stride the "triple witching hour."

From Time Magazine Archive

In the past, the triple witching hour has brought volatile market moves, causing the Dow to rise or drop as much as 36 points.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is known on Wall Street as "triple witching hour."

From Time Magazine Archive