Definition ∞ Basis trading involves profiting from price discrepancies between an asset’s spot market and its derivatives market. This strategy typically entails simultaneously buying the underlying asset in the spot market and selling a corresponding futures contract, or vice-versa. The objective is to capitalize on the convergence of these prices as the derivative contract approaches its expiration. Traders seek to profit from the “basis” which is the difference between the spot price and the futures price, expecting it to narrow over time.
Context ∞ Basis trading gains prominence in crypto news when market volatility creates significant arbitrage opportunities between exchange-traded spot cryptocurrencies and their perpetual or expiring futures contracts. Reports often discuss how funding rates in perpetual futures markets influence basis values, affecting the profitability and risk of these strategies. Regulatory discussions around derivatives markets can also impact the viability and structure of basis trades. Institutional participation in crypto markets frequently involves sophisticated basis trading operations to generate consistent returns.
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