How to view funding rates on Kraken?

To view funding rates on Kraken, navigate to the Futures Trading section, select a market, and check the Market Info section on the right-hand side of the interface.

Apr 26, 2025 at 08:28 am

Kraken, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, offers a variety of trading options, including futures trading with funding rates. Understanding how to view these funding rates is crucial for traders looking to engage in futures markets effectively. This article will guide you through the process of viewing funding rates on Kraken, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make informed trading decisions.

Accessing the Kraken Platform

To begin, you need to access the Kraken platform. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Kraken website. If you are not yet registered, you will need to create an account. For existing users, log in using your credentials. Once logged in, you will be directed to the main dashboard, where you can access various trading features.

Navigating to the Futures Trading Section

Kraken's interface is designed to be user-friendly, but it's important to know where to look for specific information. To view funding rates, you must first navigate to the Futures Trading section. Click on the "Trade" tab located at the top of the page. From the dropdown menu, select "Futures". This will take you to the futures trading interface, where you can see various futures markets available on Kraken.

Selecting a Futures Market

Once in the futures trading section, you need to select the specific futures market for which you want to view the funding rate. Kraken offers futures on several cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Choose the market you are interested in by clicking on it. This will open the trading chart and order book for that particular futures market.

Locating the Funding Rate Information

After selecting your desired futures market, you need to locate the funding rate information. On the Kraken platform, the funding rate is typically displayed in the "Market Info" section. This section is usually found on the right-hand side of the trading interface. Scroll down until you see the "Funding Rate" or "Funding" label. Here, you will find the current funding rate for the selected futures market.

Understanding the Funding Rate Display

The funding rate on Kraken is displayed as a percentage, indicating the rate at which long and short positions are charged or paid. A positive funding rate means that long positions pay short positions, while a negative funding rate indicates that short positions pay long positions. The rate is updated periodically, typically every eight hours, and is based on the difference between the perpetual contract's market price and the spot price of the underlying asset.

Using the Funding Rate for Trading Decisions

Understanding the funding rate is essential for making informed trading decisions. If the funding rate is high, it may indicate a strong bullish sentiment, as long positions are willing to pay more to maintain their positions. Conversely, a low or negative funding rate might suggest bearish sentiment. Traders can use this information to gauge market sentiment and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.

Accessing Historical Funding Rate Data

For a more comprehensive analysis, you might want to view historical funding rate data. Kraken provides this information through its trading interface. Click on the "Chart" tab within the futures trading section. Here, you can customize the chart to display the funding rate over time. Select "Funding Rate" from the indicators menu to add it to the chart. This will allow you to analyze past funding rate trends and their impact on the market.

Using Kraken's API for Funding Rate Data

For advanced users, Kraken offers an API that can be used to retrieve funding rate data programmatically. To access this data, you will need to register for an API key on the Kraken website. Once you have your API key, you can use it to make requests to Kraken's API endpoints. The specific endpoint for funding rate data is typically found in the API documentation under the "Futures" section. Follow the API documentation to construct your request and retrieve the funding rate data.

Viewing Funding Rates on Mobile

Kraken also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to view funding rates on the go. Download the Kraken app from the App Store or Google Play Store. After logging in, navigate to the "Trade" section and select "Futures". The process for viewing funding rates on the mobile app is similar to the web platform. Tap on the desired futures market, and then scroll to the "Market Info" section to find the funding rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I view funding rates for all futures markets on Kraken?

A: Yes, you can view funding rates for all futures markets available on Kraken. Simply navigate to the futures trading section and select the market you are interested in to see its current funding rate.

Q: How often are funding rates updated on Kraken?

A: Funding rates on Kraken are typically updated every eight hours. This ensures that the rates reflect the current market conditions and sentiment.

Q: Is there a way to set alerts for changes in funding rates on Kraken?

A: Currently, Kraken does not offer a built-in feature to set alerts for funding rate changes. However, you can use third-party tools or Kraken's API to monitor funding rates and set up custom alerts.

Q: Can I trade futures on Kraken without understanding funding rates?

A: While it is possible to trade futures without understanding funding rates, doing so can be risky. Funding rates are a critical component of futures trading, and understanding them can help you make more informed trading decisions and manage your positions more effectively.