What is the difference between OKX's delivery contracts and perpetual contracts?

OKX's delivery and perpetual contracts differ primarily in settlement: delivery contracts expire, requiring asset settlement, while perpetual contracts have no expiry and settle in cryptocurrency, impacting trading strategies and risk profiles.

Mar 19, 2025 at 10:29 pm

Key Points:

• Settlement: The core difference lies in settlement. OKX delivery contracts have a fixed expiry date, requiring settlement in the underlying asset or fiat currency. Perpetual contracts, however, have no expiry date and are settled in cryptocurrency.
• Pricing: Delivery contract prices are influenced by the spot market price of the underlying asset at expiry. Perpetual contracts use funding rates to maintain price alignment with spot markets, avoiding extreme deviations.
• Risk Profile: Delivery contracts carry a higher risk of price fluctuations close to expiry. Perpetual contracts, while theoretically having unlimited duration, manage risk through funding rates and liquidation mechanisms.
• Trading Strategies: Delivery contracts are suitable for traders with specific price predictions near the expiry date. Perpetual contracts are better suited for longer-term strategies and leveraged trading.
• Fees and Charges: Both contract types involve trading fees and potential funding rate payments (perpetual contracts). Delivery contracts might have additional fees related to settlement.

What is the difference between OKX's delivery contracts and perpetual contracts?

OKX offers both delivery and perpetual contracts, each catering to different trading styles and risk tolerances. Understanding their core differences is crucial for successful trading. The most fundamental distinction lies in their settlement mechanisms.

Settlement:

Delivery contracts, as the name suggests, require settlement at a predetermined expiry date. This means you must either deliver or receive the underlying asset (e.g., Bitcoin) or its equivalent fiat value. Conversely, perpetual contracts have no expiry date. They continuously trade, allowing for prolonged positions without the pressure of a fixed settlement date. This continuous nature makes them attractive for long-term trading strategies.

Pricing and Funding Rates:

The price of a delivery contract is heavily influenced by the spot market price of the underlying asset as the expiry date approaches. Significant price deviations are possible as the contract nears its end. Perpetual contracts, however, employ a mechanism called "funding rate" to maintain a price alignment with the spot market. This rate adjusts periodically, transferring funds between long and short positions to prevent extreme price divergence.

Risk Management:

Delivery contracts pose a higher risk of substantial price fluctuations, especially during the final hours before expiry. Traders must carefully manage their positions to avoid significant losses if the market moves against their predictions. Perpetual contracts, while theoretically having unlimited duration, offer built-in risk mitigation through funding rates and liquidation mechanisms. Liquidation occurs when a trader's margin is insufficient to cover potential losses, automatically closing their position.

Trading Strategies:

Delivery contracts are ideally suited for traders with strong convictions about the price movement of the underlying asset before a specific date. They are often used for short-term trading and speculation based on short-term market analysis. Perpetual contracts, with their lack of expiry, are more versatile. They allow for both short-term and long-term trading strategies, including leveraged positions for amplified returns (and losses).

Fees and Charges:

Both delivery and perpetual contracts involve trading fees charged by OKX based on trading volume. However, perpetual contracts introduce the additional factor of funding rates. These rates can be positive or negative, impacting your profit or loss depending on your position (long or short) and the market sentiment. Delivery contracts might also incur settlement fees depending on the specific asset and settlement method.

Leverage:

Both contract types allow for leverage, meaning you can control a larger position than your actual capital. However, leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Therefore, understanding and managing leverage is crucial in minimizing risks in both delivery and perpetual contracts.

Common Questions:

Q: Which contract type is better for beginners?

A: Perpetual contracts can be riskier for beginners due to the complexities of funding rates and the potential for unlimited losses. Delivery contracts, with their defined expiry, might provide a slightly gentler introduction to derivatives trading. However, thorough education on both is essential before engaging in any trading activity.

Q: How are funding rates determined in perpetual contracts?

A: Funding rates are determined by the difference between the perpetual contract price and the spot price of the underlying asset. If the perpetual contract price is higher than the spot price, long positions pay short positions. The reverse is true if the perpetual contract price is lower.

Q: What happens if I don't settle a delivery contract by the expiry date?

A: Failure to settle a delivery contract by the expiry date can result in penalties, including liquidation of your position and potential losses. OKX will typically enforce the settlement according to its terms and conditions.

Q: Can I use stop-loss orders on both contract types?

A: Yes, both delivery and perpetual contracts support the use of stop-loss orders, a risk management tool designed to automatically close your position when the price reaches a predetermined level, limiting potential losses.

Q: Are there any tax implications for trading these contracts?

A: Tax implications vary depending on your jurisdiction. Profits and losses from trading both delivery and perpetual contracts are generally considered taxable events. Consult with a tax professional to understand the relevant regulations in your area.