BitMEX contract tutorial

BitMEX Contract Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Perpetual Contracts

BitMEX is a renowned cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform that allows traders to execute complex trading strategies. One of its key features is the provision of perpetual contracts, which offer many advantages over traditional futures contracts. This tutorial will provide a comprehensive overview of BitMEX contract trading, covering everything from account setup to contract execution.

1. Understanding Perpetual Contracts

• Unlike traditional futures contracts that expire on a specific date, perpetual contracts do not have an expiry and can be held indefinitely.
• They are settled in the underlying cryptocurrency, providing real-time price exposure.
• Perpetual contracts offer leverage, allowing traders to amplify their potential profits. However, it's critical to use leverage prudently, as it can magnify losses as well.

2. Setting Up a BitMEX Account

• Visit the BitMEX website and click "Register."
• Enter your personal details, create a username, and select a strong password.
• Verify your email address and complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.
• Enable two-factor authentication for enhanced security.

3. Funding Your Account

• BitMEX accepts deposits via cryptocurrency, bank transfer, and credit/debit card.
• To deposit cryptocurrency, transfer funds to your provided wallet address.
• Bank transfers and card deposits require additional time for processing.

4. Exploring the BitMEX Trading Terminal

• The BitMEX trading terminal provides a comprehensive dashboard for executing contract trades.
• It features customizable charts, order books, and multiple order types.
• Traders can analyze market data, place orders, and monitor their positions in real-time.

5. Choosing a Contract

• BitMEX offers a range of perpetual contracts, each tied to a different cryptocurrency.
• Consider factors such as the cryptocurrency's market cap, volatility, and liquidity when selecting a contract.
• Review the contract specifications, including symbol, ticker, leverage, and maintenance margin.

6. Placing a Contract Order

• Select the desired contract from the drop-down menu.
• Choose the order type (limit, market, stop, or fill-or-kill).
• Specify the order quantity, leverage (optional), and limit price (for limit orders).
• Review the order details and click "Buy" or "Sell" to execute the trade.

7. Managing Your Position

• Once a contract order is filled, traders have multiple options for managing their position.
• They can add to or reduce their position size by placing additional orders.
• Partial liquidation allows traders to close a portion of their position while maintaining the rest.
• Traders can also use stop-profit and stop-loss orders to automate position management.

8. Settlement and Funding

• Perpetual contracts automatically settle in the underlying cryptocurrency.
• The funding rate is a periodic adjustment that helps to maintain parity between the perpetual contract price and the underlying spot price.
• Traders can either pay or receive funding depending on their position and the underlying asset's price movement.