Crypto Funding Rates

Definition ∞ Crypto funding rates refer to periodic payments exchanged between traders holding long and short positions in perpetual futures contracts on cryptocurrency exchanges. These rates are designed to keep the perpetual futures contract price aligned with the underlying spot price of the cryptocurrency. A positive funding rate means long position holders pay short position holders, indicating a bullish market sentiment, while a negative rate suggests bearish sentiment.
Context ∞ News reports frequently analyze crypto funding rates as a key indicator of market sentiment and potential price movements. Persistently high positive funding rates can signal an overheated market, potentially preceding a price correction, as long positions become expensive to maintain. Conversely, deeply negative rates might suggest capitulation and a potential for a short squeeze. Traders and analysts closely monitor these rates for insights into derivatives market positioning and overall investor conviction in digital assets.