Retrieve Near-Term Option Chain Data for Your Symbol

The QM_GetOptionChainNearTerm function helps you instantly fetch a near-term option chain for a given symbol in Excel using MarketXLS. It automatically includes option greeks and organizes the results neatly in your spreadsheet—perfect for quick analysis, planning trades, or comparing short-term options across different markets.

Why Use This Function?

• Quick data retrieval of near-term options (typically the closest expiring contracts).
• Includes key option greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Rho, Vega, Implied Volatility).
• Automatically populates your spreadsheet with headers for each data field, saving you from manual setup.
• Ideal for short-term traders or those looking at near-expiration opportunities.
• Helps you compare near-term call and put options side-by-side for better decision-making.

How to Use in Excel

=QM_GetOptionChainNearTerm("AAPL")

• Simply type the formula into any cell in Excel.
• Replace "AAPL" with the desired stock ticker symbol.
• MarketXLS then retrieves the near-term option chain from QuoteMedia and prints it directly below the active cell, with column headers on the first row of data.

Parameters Explained

• Symbol is the only required parameter.
• The function automatically includes “greeks=True” and “expire=NT” behind the scenes to fetch near-term options with greeks.

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. =QM_GetOptionChainNearTerm("AAPL")
   • Retrieves AAPL’s nearest expiring option chain.
   • Columns such as SymbolString, Last, Change, Bid, Ask, Strike, and greeks will appear.

2. =QM_GetOptionChainNearTerm("TSLA")
   • Fetches near-term Tesla option chain, including implied volatility, open interest, and more.

When run, you’ll see column headers (e.g., symbolstring, strike, callput, bid, ask, delta, etc.) directly below your formula cell and the option chain data populated beneath them.

Advanced Scenarios

Although this function is optimized for single symbols, consider these tips:

• If your symbol is invalid or temporarily unavailable, you may see "No Data Retrieved."
• Different tickers might have varying amounts of near-term options, so the number of returned rows changes accordingly.
• Rows with date/time values (e.g., lastQuoteDateTime) are automatically converted to Excel date/time format, allowing easy further analysis or charting.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

1. “No Data Retrieved” message?

   • Ensure you have typed the symbol correctly and that the symbol has active options.
   • Check your MarketXLS license status—an invalid license can block data.

2. Data Overwrites Cells Below the Formula

   • The function places data directly below the active cell. Move the formula cell or clear enough space where data needs to be inserted.

3. Columns Not Matching Expectations

   • Different underlying stocks may have different data availability; always check the results after retrieval.
   • Near-term option chains sometimes have fewer strikes if the market is close to expiration.

4. Handling Edge Cases

   • Invalid symbols will show limited or no data.
   • Expiry might not be as expected if the underlying does not have near-term options listed.

By leveraging QM_GetOptionChainNearTerm, you can quickly fetch and view short-term option quotes and greeks in Excel—making your analysis more intuitive and efficient using MarketXLS.