StrategiesTier 4: Volatility Harvest (High Risk)

0DTE Options Strategy

A trading approach using options that expire the same day (zero days to expiration), allowing funds to capture daily premium income with reduced assignment risk.

Reviewed by DivAgent Research Team
Updated Jan 2026
Sources
CBOEOptions Clearing CorporationFund Prospectuses

0DTE Options Strategy — At a Glance

Definition

Options expiring same-day, capturing accelerated time decay for daily premium income without overnight risk.

Risk Level
High(Tier 4)
Commonly Seen In
SPYI, QQQI, GPIX, XDTE, QDTE
Warning Sign
Sharp intraday moves can wipe out months of premium gains in hours
Key Metric
Annualized premium capture rate vs intraday drawdown frequency
Pro Tip

0DTE strategies shine in range-bound markets but can get crushed on high-volatility days - size positions accordingly.

Zero Days to Expiration (0DTE) strategies use options expiring on the same trading day. This approach has revolutionized income ETFs, allowing for more frequent premium capture and potentially higher yields than traditional monthly or weekly options.

How 0DTE Works

Options lose value as they approach expiration (time decay). 0DTE options experience accelerated time decay, making them attractive for sellers: 1. Fund sells options at market open 2. Collects premium immediately 3. Options expire worthless or are settled by market close 4. Repeat daily, compounding premium income

Why 0DTE Has Gained Popularity

  • Higher Annualized Yield: Daily premium capture can exceed weekly/monthly approaches
  • Reduced Gap Risk: No overnight holding means no surprise gaps from after-hours news
  • More Premium Opportunities: 250+ trading days vs 52 weeks vs 12 months
  • Tactical Flexibility: Can adjust strikes daily based on market conditions

ETFs Using 0DTE Strategies

  • SPYI (Neos S&P 500 High Income): S&P 500 + 0DTE puts for tax-efficient income
  • QQQI (Neos Nasdaq 100 High Income): Nasdaq version of SPYI
  • GPIQ/GPIX: Global X 0DTE covered call ETFs
  • XDTE/QDTE: Roundhill 0DTE income ETFs

Risks and Considerations

Intraday Volatility: Sharp intraday moves can result in significant losses before options expire.

Execution Complexity: Requires sophisticated trading infrastructure and management.

Tax Treatment: Despite some funds' claims, tax efficiency varies; consult your advisor.

Newer Strategy: Limited long-term track record; backtested results may not reflect reality.

Market Maker Dependency: 0DTE liquidity depends on market makers; during stress, spreads widen.

DivAgent Educational Standards

This definition is part of the DivAgent Income Academy curriculum. Our glossary is designed to bridge the gap between institutional jargon and retail investor understanding. Each term is reviewed by our Research Team for accuracy, specifically in the context of:

  • Tax implications (Ordinary vs. Qualified)
  • Impact on Total Return calculations
  • Relevance to Option-Income strategies
  • Risk assessment in a retirement portfolio

*While we strive for precision, financial terminology can evolve. Always verify definitions with official regulatory sources (SEC, IRS) when making tax or legal decisions.

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