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

OKX offers perpetual and delivery contracts; perpetuals settle via funding rates, while deliveries require crypto settlement at expiry, impacting trading strategies and risk.

Apr 02, 2025 at 07:42 am

Understanding OKX Perpetual and Delivery Contracts

OKX, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, offers both perpetual and delivery contracts, both allowing traders to speculate on the price movement of cryptocurrencies. However, they differ significantly in their settlement mechanisms and overall risk profiles. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed trading decisions.

Perpetual contracts, also known as inverse perpetual contracts on OKX, are designed to mimic the spot market experience, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely without an expiry date. This contrasts sharply with delivery contracts, which have a defined expiry date. The price of a perpetual contract is influenced by funding rates, a mechanism that adjusts the contract price to track the underlying asset's spot price. This helps prevent large price discrepancies between the perpetual contract and the spot market.

Delivery contracts, on the other hand, function more like traditional futures contracts. They have a specific expiration date, at which point the contract holder must either deliver or receive the underlying cryptocurrency. This introduces a significant element of timing risk, as the trader needs to manage their position before the expiry date to avoid physical settlement.

Key Differences between OKX Perpetual and Delivery Contracts

One of the most significant differences lies in their settlement. Perpetual contracts settle continuously through funding rates, while delivery contracts settle at a specific expiry date, requiring the delivery or receipt of the underlying cryptocurrency. This difference significantly impacts the trading strategy and risk management involved.

Another key difference is the time horizon. Perpetual contracts are suitable for traders with a longer-term outlook, while delivery contracts are better suited for traders with a shorter-term perspective aligned with the contract's expiry date. The choice depends entirely on the trader's trading style and risk tolerance.

Furthermore, leverage is another differentiating factor. Both perpetual and delivery contracts offer leverage, but the levels and regulations might differ slightly depending on the specific contract and OKX's policies at the time. It's crucial to understand the leverage implications for each contract type before trading.

Trading Strategies and Risk Management

The choice between a perpetual contract and a delivery contract significantly impacts trading strategies. For instance, scalping strategies are often more suitable for perpetual contracts due to their continuous nature, whereas arbitrage opportunities might arise between delivery contracts and the spot market closer to the expiry date.

Risk management also varies. With perpetual contracts, the risk is largely driven by price fluctuations and funding rates. However, with delivery contracts, the risk also includes the timing of the expiry date and the potential need for physical settlement, which can be complex and involve additional costs.

Here's a breakdown of how to approach each contract type:

• Perpetual Contracts: Focus on managing leverage and funding rate exposure. Regularly monitor market sentiment and adjust positions accordingly. Consider using stop-loss orders to limit potential losses.

• Delivery Contracts: Pay close attention to the expiry date. Develop a clear exit strategy before the expiry date to avoid physical settlement. Manage risk by hedging or offsetting positions.

Understanding Funding Rates in OKX Perpetual Contracts

Funding rates are a critical aspect of perpetual contracts. They are periodic payments made between long and short traders to keep the contract price aligned with the underlying asset's spot price. Positive funding rates mean long positions pay short positions, while negative funding rates mean short positions pay long positions. Understanding how funding rates work is crucial for effective perpetual contract trading.

The magnitude of the funding rate depends on several factors, including supply and demand for the contract, and the difference between the contract price and the spot price. High funding rates can significantly impact profitability, especially for long-term positions.

Expiry Dates and Settlement in OKX Delivery Contracts

Delivery contracts have a predetermined expiry date. At expiry, the contract holder has to settle the contract. This involves either delivering the underlying cryptocurrency if they hold a long position, or receiving the underlying cryptocurrency if they hold a short position.

However, most traders choose to close their positions before the expiry date rather than deal with the complexities of physical settlement. This is particularly important to avoid potential issues related to transferring and storing large quantities of cryptocurrency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which contract type is riskier?

A: Both contract types carry inherent risks. Perpetual contracts expose traders to funding rate fluctuations and unlimited potential losses if leverage is used improperly. Delivery contracts introduce the risk of needing to manage positions before expiry to avoid physical settlement. The riskier option depends on the trader's risk tolerance and trading strategy.

Q: Can I use leverage on both contract types?

A: Yes, both perpetual and delivery contracts on OKX typically allow the use of leverage. However, the available leverage levels may differ between the two contract types and can change based on OKX's policies. Always check the specific contract details before trading.

Q: What is the best contract type for beginners?

A: For beginners, it's generally recommended to start with smaller positions and gain experience with perpetual contracts before venturing into delivery contracts. The simpler settlement mechanism and continuous nature of perpetual contracts make them slightly more approachable for newcomers.

Q: How do I choose between a perpetual and delivery contract?

A: The choice depends on your trading horizon and risk tolerance. If you have a longer-term view and are comfortable with funding rate fluctuations, perpetual contracts might be suitable. If you have a shorter-term perspective and prefer a defined settlement date, delivery contracts might be more appropriate. Consider your trading style and risk appetite carefully.

Q: What happens if I don't close my delivery contract before expiry?

A: If you don't close your delivery contract before the expiry date, you will be subject to the physical settlement process. This involves either delivering or receiving the underlying cryptocurrency, which can be complex and involve additional costs and logistical challenges. It's strongly advised to close positions before expiry.