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Trading & Markets Beginner

Basis

Definition

The difference between futures price and spot price. Positive basis (contango) means futures trade at a premium; negative basis (backwardation) means at a discount. Basis reflects market expectations.

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Difficulty
Beginner
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Category
Trading & Markets
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See Also
8 related

◆ Key Takeaways

1

The difference between futures price and spot price.

2

Positive basis (contango) means futures trade at a premium; negative basis (backwardation) means at a discount.

3

Basis reflects market expectations.

Why It Matters

This concept is critical for crypto traders of all levels. Mastering it can mean the difference between consistent profits and costly mistakes in volatile markets.

Related Terms in Trading & Markets

Spot Trading
Buying and selling cryptocurrencies for immediate delivery at current market prices. The simplest form of crypto trading where you own the actual asset, unlike derivatives.
Futures
Contracts to buy or sell crypto at a predetermined price on a future date. Crypto futures allow speculation on price direction without owning the underlying asset, with leverage amplifying gains and losses.
Perpetual Swap
A futures contract with no expiration date, using a funding rate mechanism to keep the price anchored to the spot price. The most traded crypto derivative, offering up to 125x leverage on major exchanges.
Options
Contracts giving the right (not obligation) to buy (call) or sell (put) crypto at a set price before a deadline. Used for hedging, income generation, and speculative strategies with defined risk.
Margin Trading
Trading with borrowed funds using your existing assets as collateral. Amplifies both profits and losses. Margin calls occur when collateral value drops below the maintenance requirement.
Leverage
The ratio of borrowed funds to your own capital in a trade. 10x leverage means controlling $10,000 worth of crypto with $1,000. Higher leverage increases both potential returns and liquidation risk.
Long Position
A trade betting that price will rise. You buy an asset expecting to sell it later at a higher price. In futures, going long means buying a contract that profits from upward price movement.
Short Position
A trade profiting from price declines. In crypto, shorting involves borrowing and selling an asset to buy it back cheaper later. Futures and margin trading enable short positions.

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