Best strategy for Bitstamp perpetual contracts

Bitstamp perpetual contracts offer leveraged crypto trading with no expiry, but success requires mastering funding rates, position sizing, and trend strategies to avoid liquidation.

Jul 25, 2025 at 01:14 am

Understanding Bitstamp Perpetual Contracts

Bitstamp perpetual contracts are derivative instruments that allow traders to speculate on the price of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum without owning the underlying asset. Unlike traditional futures, these contracts have no expiration date and use a funding mechanism to keep the contract price close to the spot price. This makes them ideal for both short-term and long-term trading strategies. The key to success lies in understanding how funding rates, leverage, and liquidation levels work. Misjudging these elements can lead to rapid losses even with correct directional predictions.

Choosing the Right Leverage

Leverage amplifies both gains and losses, so selecting the appropriate level is critical. Bitstamp allows leverage up to 100x, but using such high leverage is extremely risky for most traders. A safer approach is to start with 3x to 10x leverage for beginners. Advanced traders might use higher leverage during low-volatility periods but must pair it with strict risk management. For example:

• If your account balance is $1,000 and you use 5x leverage, your position size is $5,000.
• A 2% adverse move would result in a 10% loss of your margin.
• Always calculate your liquidation price before entering a trade to avoid margin calls.
  

  Implementing a Trend-Following Strategy

  
  Trend-following is one of the most reliable strategies for Bitstamp perpetual contracts. It involves identifying the market direction using technical indicators and placing trades in alignment with the trend. To execute this:
• Use the 200-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the 4-hour chart to determine the long-term trend.
• Enter long positions when the price is above the EMA and short positions when below.
• Confirm momentum with the Relative Strength Index (RSI)—look for RSI above 50 for longs and below 50 for shorts.
• Set a trailing stop-loss to lock in profits as the trend continues.
  

  Managing Risk with Position Sizing

  
  Proper position sizing ensures that no single trade can wipe out your account. A common rule is to risk no more than 1% to 2% of your total capital per trade. Here’s how to apply it:
• If your account is $5,000 and you’re risking 1%, your maximum loss per trade is $50.
• Determine your stop-loss distance in dollars—for example, if you enter at $30,000 and set a stop at $29,500, your risk per contract is $500.
• Divide your max risk ($50) by the risk per contract ($500) to get 0.1 contracts. This means you should open a position of 0.1 BTC, not 1 BTC.
• Always double-check your position size in the Bitstamp trading interface before confirming the order.
  

  Using Funding Rate Arbitrage

  
  Funding rates are paid every 8 hours and can be positive or negative. Traders can exploit this by holding positions that receive funding payments. For example:
• If the funding rate is positive (longs pay shorts), open a short position to collect the rate.
• If it’s negative (shorts pay longs), open a long position to receive the payment.
• This strategy works best in range-bound markets where price movement is minimal but funding rates are consistent.
• Monitor the funding rate history on Bitstamp’s contract page and only enter when the rate exceeds 0.01% per 8 hours to ensure profitability after fees.
  

  Executing a Scalping Strategy on Bitstamp

  
  Scalping involves making multiple small profits from minor price movements. It suits Bitstamp due to its deep liquidity and low latency. Steps include:
• Use the 1-minute or 5-minute chart with Bollinger Bands and volume indicators.
• Enter long when price touches the lower band with rising volume and exit at the middle band.
• Enter short when price hits the upper band with high volume and exit at the middle band.
• Set tight stop-losses (0.2% to 0.5%) and take-profits (0.3% to 0.7%) to maintain a positive risk-reward ratio.
• Avoid scalping during low-volume periods like weekends to reduce slippage.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What is the minimum margin required to open a Bitstamp perpetual contract?
  
  Bitstamp does not specify a fixed minimum margin. It depends on your position size and leverage. For example, with 10x leverage and a $100 position, you need $10 as margin. Always ensure your account has enough to cover potential losses beyond initial margin.

  Can I trade Bitstamp perpetual contracts on mobile?
  
  Yes, Bitstamp offers a mobile app for iOS and Android. The app supports all contract features including order placement, margin adjustments, and real-time P&L tracking. Ensure you enable two-factor authentication for security.

  How often are funding rates settled on Bitstamp?
  
  Funding rates are settled every 8 hours—at 00:00 UTC, 08:00 UTC, and 16:00 UTC. You must hold a position at the exact settlement time to receive or pay the funding. Check the countdown timer on the contract details page.

  Is it possible to avoid liquidation on Bitstamp perpetual contracts?
  
  Yes, by using conservative leverage, setting stop-loss orders, and monitoring your margin level in real time. Bitstamp provides a liquidation price indicator on the trading interface—keep your stop-loss above this level for longs or below for shorts.