Difference between perpetual contracts and delivery contracts: suggestions for contract type selection

Perpetual contracts offer no expiration and high leverage, ideal for long-term trading, while delivery contracts suit those needing physical asset delivery or hedging.

May 28, 2025 at 06:22 pm

The cryptocurrency market offers various types of trading contracts, each designed to cater to different trading strategies and risk appetites. Among these, perpetual contracts and delivery contracts stand out due to their distinct features and purposes. Understanding the differences between these two types of contracts is crucial for traders looking to optimize their trading strategies. This article will delve into the specifics of perpetual and delivery contracts, outline their key differences, and provide suggestions for selecting the appropriate contract type based on individual trading needs.

Understanding Perpetual Contracts

Perpetual contracts, also known as perpetual swaps, are a type of futures contract that does not have an expiration date. This feature allows traders to hold positions indefinitely, making them a popular choice for those interested in long-term trading without the need to roll over contracts.

Key features of perpetual contracts include:

• No Expiration Date: Unlike traditional futures contracts, perpetual contracts do not expire. This eliminates the need for traders to close and reopen positions periodically.
• Funding Rate Mechanism: To ensure that the price of perpetual contracts remains closely aligned with the spot price of the underlying asset, a funding rate is periodically exchanged between long and short positions. If the funding rate is positive, long positions pay short positions, and vice versa if the funding rate is negative.
• High Leverage: Perpetual contracts often offer higher leverage compared to other types of contracts, allowing traders to amplify their exposure to the market.

Understanding Delivery Contracts

Delivery contracts, also known as traditional futures contracts, are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specific future date. These contracts are settled by the delivery of the underlying asset, making them suitable for traders who want to take physical possession of the asset or hedge against price movements.

Key features of delivery contracts include:

• Expiration Date: Delivery contracts have a fixed expiration date, at which point the contract must be settled either through the delivery of the asset or cash settlement.
• Settlement Method: At expiration, delivery contracts can be settled by the physical delivery of the underlying asset or through cash settlement, depending on the terms of the contract.
• Hedging Tool: Delivery contracts are often used as a hedging tool by businesses and investors to lock in prices and mitigate the risk of price fluctuations.

Differences Between Perpetual and Delivery Contracts

The primary differences between perpetual and delivery contracts lie in their structure, settlement mechanisms, and trading purposes.

• Expiration and Settlement: Perpetual contracts do not expire and are settled through a funding rate mechanism, while delivery contracts have a set expiration date and can be settled through physical delivery or cash settlement.
• Trading Purpose: Perpetual contracts are favored by traders looking for continuous exposure to the market without the need to roll over positions, whereas delivery contracts are used by those who want to take physical possession of the asset or hedge against future price movements.
• Leverage and Risk: Perpetual contracts often offer higher leverage, which can amplify both potential gains and losses, making them riskier than delivery contracts, which typically have lower leverage and are used for more conservative trading strategies.

Suggestions for Contract Type Selection

Selecting the appropriate contract type depends on a trader's specific goals, risk tolerance, and trading strategy. Here are some suggestions for choosing between perpetual and delivery contracts:

• For Long-Term Trading: If you are interested in maintaining a position over an extended period without the hassle of rolling over contracts, perpetual contracts are the better choice. They allow for continuous exposure to the market and eliminate the need for frequent contract management.
• For Hedging and Physical Delivery: If your goal is to hedge against price movements or take physical possession of the underlying asset, delivery contracts are more suitable. They provide a clear expiration date and the option for physical delivery, making them ideal for businesses and investors looking to secure future prices.
• For High Leverage and Speculation: Traders who are comfortable with higher risk and are looking to speculate on short-term price movements may prefer perpetual contracts. The high leverage offered by these contracts can lead to significant gains, but it also increases the potential for substantial losses.
• For Conservative Trading: If you prefer a more conservative approach to trading with lower risk, delivery contracts may be the better option. They typically offer lower leverage and a more structured approach to trading, making them suitable for those who want to minimize potential losses.

Practical Considerations for Trading

When deciding between perpetual and delivery contracts, traders should also consider practical aspects such as the availability of the contracts on their preferred trading platforms, the liquidity of the contracts, and the specific terms and conditions of each contract.

• Availability: Ensure that your chosen trading platform offers the type of contract you are interested in. Some platforms may specialize in one type of contract over the other.
• Liquidity: Higher liquidity can lead to better pricing and easier execution of trades. Check the trading volume and liquidity of the contracts you are considering.
• Terms and Conditions: Review the terms and conditions of each contract, including the funding rate mechanism for perpetual contracts and the settlement method for delivery contracts. Understanding these details can help you make more informed trading decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I switch between perpetual and delivery contracts during a trade?

A: Typically, once a position is opened with a specific type of contract, you cannot switch to another type without closing the existing position and opening a new one. It's important to choose the right contract type before entering a trade.

Q: Are there any fees associated with perpetual contracts that do not apply to delivery contracts?

A: Yes, perpetual contracts often involve a funding rate, which is a fee exchanged between long and short positions to keep the contract price aligned with the spot price. This fee does not apply to delivery contracts, which instead may have fees related to physical delivery or cash settlement.

Q: How can I monitor the funding rate for perpetual contracts?

A: Most trading platforms that offer perpetual contracts display the current funding rate and its historical data. You can typically find this information on the contract's detail page or through the platform's trading tools.

Q: What happens if I hold a delivery contract until its expiration date?

A: If you hold a delivery contract until its expiration date, you will need to settle the contract according to its terms. This could involve taking physical delivery of the underlying asset or settling the contract in cash, depending on the specific contract terms.