A comprehensive guide to Bitcoin and crypto futures, their advantages, and how to trade them.
The crypto asset class is maturing as traditional investment instruments move their way into the digital assets industry. From 2008, when just a few crypto enthusiasts noticed the invention of Bitcoin, the industry has grown much more sophisticated and mature. The futures market, which has been a prominent trading instrument in traditional financial markets including stocks, commodities, and equities, has now adapted for the crypto industry as well.
Bitcoin and crypto futures have unlocked new strategies for traders and are now gaining massive popularity. In this article, we review bitcoin and crypto futures, how to trade Bitcoin futures, and which considerations can be useful.
What are Bitcoin Futures?
Traditional crypto trading focuses on “spot trading” - buying and selling Bitcoin at the current price. In this practice, a trader can only generate a profit when they ‘buy low and sell high’. Bitcoin Futures offer an alternative way for traders to lock in their profits when the price of Bitcoin goes up or down.
A futures contract refers to an agreement to buy or sell a financial asset at a predetermined price and date. It is a derivative contract that follows the price movement of the underlying financial asset. A Bitcoin futures contract is a legal agreement where a trader agrees to buy or sell Bitcoin at a predetermined price in the future.
Crypto futures provide opportunities for high liquidity in the market. Moreover, as private entities offer these products, there are greater chances of regulation in futures financial instruments. Cryptocurrency futures also enable institutional-grade investments in the market.