Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK)
Merck & Max Pain By Strike
MRK trades at $84.3, 5.4% above the near-term max pain of $80 expiring Aug 15, 2025 (0 days). Expect downward pressure as dealers benefit from price declining toward max pain. Max pain is stable across expirations ($40-$90), indicating stable market expectations. Key magnetic zone at 80 where 12 expirations converge. High dispersion in max pain levels suggests competing forces and potential volatility.
Merck & Max Pain By Expiry
Max pain for MRK shows stable levels around 79.74, reflecting balanced market expectations. The 63% spread signals divergent expectations across timeframes. Most levels below 84.3 may cap rallies. Strong magnetic level at 80 (12 expirations). Weekly expirations influence price 2-3 days before expiry; monthlies throughout their final week.
Max Pain Table
| Expiration Date | Max Pain | Max Pain vs Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2025 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Aug 22, 2025 | 81 | -3.30 (-3.91%) |
| Aug 29, 2025 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Sep 5, 2025 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Sep 12, 2025 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Sep 19, 2025 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Sep 26, 2025 | 79 | -5.30 (-6.28%) |
| Oct 17, 2025 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Nov 21, 2025 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Dec 19, 2025 | 85 | 0.70 (0.84%) |
| Jan 16, 2026 | 90 | 5.70 (6.77%) |
| Mar 20, 2026 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Apr 17, 2026 | 40 | -44.30 (-52.55%) |
| Jun 18, 2026 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Sep 18, 2026 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Dec 18, 2026 | 90 | 5.70 (6.77%) |
| Jan 15, 2027 | 90 | 5.70 (6.77%) |
| Jun 17, 2027 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |
| Dec 17, 2027 | 80 | -4.30 (-5.10%) |