What is the difference between the contract mark price and the latest price of HTX?

The contract mark price on HTX, used for futures, is calculated to be stable, while the latest price reflects real-time spot market trades.

Apr 09, 2025 at 12:01 am

The difference between the contract mark price and the latest price of HTX is a topic that often confuses new traders and investors in the cryptocurrency market. Understanding these two concepts is crucial for making informed trading decisions, especially when dealing with futures and derivatives on the HTX platform. In this article, we will delve into the definitions, calculations, and practical implications of the contract mark price and the latest price on HTX.

Understanding the Contract Mark Price

The contract mark price is a critical component in the futures trading ecosystem on HTX. It is designed to provide a more stable and fair reference price for futures contracts, reducing the risk of liquidation due to market manipulation or extreme volatility. The contract mark price is calculated using a combination of the latest traded price and a fair price, which is derived from a moving average of the spot price.

• Latest Traded Price: This is the most recent price at which a futures contract was traded on the HTX platform.
• Fair Price: This is calculated using a moving average of the spot price of the underlying asset, adjusted for any funding rate that may be applicable.

The formula for the contract mark price can be expressed as:

[ \text{Contract Mark Price} = \text{Fair Price} + (\text{Latest Traded Price} - \text{Fair Price}) \times \text{Impact Bid/Ask} ]

The Impact Bid/Ask is a factor that adjusts the difference between the latest traded price and the fair price, ensuring that the contract mark price remains stable and less susceptible to sudden market movements.

Understanding the Latest Price

The latest price on HTX refers to the most recent price at which a cryptocurrency or token was traded on the spot market. This price is updated in real-time and reflects the current market sentiment and trading activity. Unlike the contract mark price, the latest price is not adjusted for any factors and directly represents the last executed trade on the platform.

For example, if the latest price of Bitcoin on HTX is $30,000, it means that the most recent trade of Bitcoin on the platform occurred at this price. This price is crucial for spot traders who are looking to buy or sell cryptocurrencies immediately at the current market rate.

Differences Between Contract Mark Price and Latest Price

The primary difference between the contract mark price and the latest price lies in their purpose and calculation methodology. The contract mark price is specifically designed for futures trading and aims to provide a more stable and fair reference price, while the latest price is used for spot trading and reflects the immediate market conditions.

• Purpose: The contract mark price is used to determine the value of futures contracts and to prevent unnecessary liquidations, whereas the latest price is used for spot trading and reflects the current market value of a cryptocurrency.
• Calculation: The contract mark price is calculated using a combination of the latest traded price and a fair price, adjusted by the impact bid/ask factor. In contrast, the latest price is simply the most recent trade price on the spot market.
• Stability: The contract mark price is designed to be more stable and less susceptible to market manipulation, while the latest price can fluctuate rapidly based on market conditions.

Practical Implications for Traders

Understanding the difference between the contract mark price and the latest price is essential for traders on HTX, as it can significantly impact their trading strategies and risk management.

• Futures Trading: When trading futures on HTX, traders should pay close attention to the contract mark price, as it determines the value of their positions and the risk of liquidation. A sudden divergence between the contract mark price and the latest price could signal potential market manipulation or extreme volatility, prompting traders to adjust their positions accordingly.
• Spot Trading: For spot traders, the latest price is the most relevant metric, as it reflects the current market value of the cryptocurrency they are trading. Spot traders should monitor the latest price closely to make informed buying and selling decisions based on real-time market conditions.
• Risk Management: Both the contract mark price and the latest price play crucial roles in risk management. Futures traders should use the contract mark price to assess their exposure and set appropriate stop-loss levels, while spot traders should use the latest price to determine their entry and exit points.

How to Access Contract Mark Price and Latest Price on HTX

Accessing the contract mark price and the latest price on HTX is straightforward, but it requires navigating through the platform's interface. Here are the steps to access these prices:

• Accessing the Contract Mark Price:

  • Log in to your HTX account.
  • Navigate to the futures trading section of the platform.
  • Select the specific futures contract you are interested in.
  • View the contract mark price displayed on the trading interface.

• Accessing the Latest Price:

  • Log in to your HTX account.
  • Navigate to the spot trading section of the platform.
  • Select the specific cryptocurrency or token you are interested in.
  • View the latest price displayed on the trading interface.

By following these steps, traders can easily access both the contract mark price and the latest price on HTX, enabling them to make informed trading decisions based on the most relevant price metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the contract mark price be manipulated by large traders on HTX?

A: The contract mark price on HTX is designed to be resistant to manipulation through the use of a fair price calculation and the impact bid/ask factor. While large traders can influence the latest traded price, the contract mark price is less susceptible to such manipulation due to its calculation methodology.

Q: How often is the contract mark price updated on HTX?

A: The contract mark price on HTX is updated in real-time, reflecting the latest traded price and the fair price calculation. This ensures that the contract mark price remains current and relevant for futures trading.

Q: Is the latest price on HTX the same as the market price on other exchanges?

A: The latest price on HTX may differ from the market price on other exchanges due to differences in trading volume, liquidity, and market conditions. However, the latest price on HTX is a reliable indicator of the current market value of a cryptocurrency on the platform.

Q: Can I use the contract mark price for spot trading on HTX?

A: No, the contract mark price is specifically designed for futures trading and is not applicable to spot trading. For spot trading, traders should use the latest price, which reflects the current market value of the cryptocurrency.