Perpetual Swaps

Definition ∞ These are derivative contracts that allow traders to speculate on the future price of an underlying digital asset without an expiration date. They are characterized by a funding rate mechanism that periodically exchanges payments between long and short positions to keep the contract price close to the spot price of the asset. Perpetual swaps are a popular instrument in digital asset derivatives markets.
Context ∞ Perpetual swaps are a cornerstone of digital asset derivatives trading, offering high liquidity and leverage. Current discussions frequently involve the impact of funding rates on market sentiment, the regulatory treatment of these instruments, and their role in price discovery and volatility. Their prevalence signifies a maturing, albeit complex, derivatives landscape.