Continuous Auction

Definition ∞ A continuous auction is a market mechanism where bids and offers are submitted and matched continuously throughout the trading day. This system allows for constant price discovery and immediate execution of trades. It contrasts with batch auctions or call auctions that process orders at specific times.
Context ∞ Many decentralized exchanges (DEXs) operate under principles similar to continuous auctions, facilitating constant trading of digital assets. The efficiency and fairness of these continuous matching engines are paramount for liquidity and user experience. Discussions often revolve around mitigating issues like front-running and ensuring transparent price formation in these dynamic trading environments.