Bitcoin futures are a type of contract that allows traders to speculate on the future price of Bitcoin. These contracts can be traded on exchanges and allow traders to take a long or short position on the price of Bitcoin. Bitcoin futures can be used to hedge against the risk of holding Bitcoin or to speculate on the future price of Bitcoin. Although Bitcoin can fluctuate wildly, savvy traders can profit by taking a short or long position on Bitcoin futures.
Despite the recent volatility of Bitcoin, investing and speculating on fluctuations in its value can afford traders an added opportunity to profit from the cryptocurrency. To better understand how Bitcoin futures work, take a moment to read below how to trade futures, as well as some of the pros and cons of speculating on future cryptocurrency prices.
How Bitcoin Futures Work
Bitcoin futures are a type of financial contract that allows a speculator to profit by correctly estimating future trends in the price of Bitcoin. These contracts are typically traded on exchanges and allow savvy investors to either take a short or long position on the expected fluctuations of Bitcoin. These investments can then be used to hedge against the risk of holding Bitcoin or to simply profit from speculation.
When a Bitcoin future is traded, the trader is speculating on the price of Bitcoin at a future date. If the trader believes that the price of Bitcoin will go up, they will take a long position. If the trader believes that the price of Bitcoin will go down, they will take a short position.
The price of Bitcoin futures is determined by the price of Bitcoin at the time the contract expires. If the price of Bitcoin is higher than the price at which the contract was bought, the trader will make a profit. If the price of Bitcoin is lower than the price at which the contract was bought, the trader will make a loss. Bitcoin futures contracts are traded on exchanges.
Where to Trade Bitcoin Futures
One of the most popular exchanges for Bitcoin futures is the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Other exchanges that offer Bitcoin futures include the Bakkt Exchange, which is owned by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE).
However, before trading Bitcoin futures, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Bitcoin is a volatile asset, and its price can move up and down a great deal in a short space of time. This means that there is a risk of losing money if the price of Bitcoin falls sharply.
It’s also important to be aware of the fees charged by exchanges for trading Bitcoin futures. These fees can eat into any profits that are made.
Pros and Cons of Trading Bitcoin Futures
Interested investors and traders should recognize that there are both pros and cons to trading Bitcoin futures. We’ve discussed some of these points below:
- PRO: Regulation—Bitcoin futures offer a regulated and centralized marketplace for Bitcoin speculation. This provides a level of safety and security that is not always present when trading Bitcoin on decentralized exchanges. In addition, centralized exchanges tend to offer more features and tools that can be helpful for traders, such as advanced charting tools and data analysis.
- CON: Decentralization—Bitcoin futures may be traded on centralized exchanges, but the underlying asset is still decentralized. This means that there is still a risk of price manipulation and other unethical practices. Investors and traders should be aware of these risks before trading Bitcoin futures.
- PRO: Margin—Bitcoin futures can be traded on margin, meaning that traders can leverage their positions to potentially increase their profits. However, leverage can also increase losses, so traders should be careful not to over-leverage their positions.
- CON: Liquidity—Bitcoin futures contracts are settled in currency, meaning that traders will not actually receive any Bitcoin if they are successful in their trades. Some investors and traders may prefer to hold the actual Bitcoin rather than cash, so this is something to keep in mind before trading Bitcoin futures.
The Takeaway
Although Bitcoin has lost some of its stability in recent months, traders can still profit from their investments by speculating on Bitcoin futures. Before investing in the venture, though, traders should familiarize themselves with the potential risks and due their due diligence before investing money in a decentralized exchange.