Define the Term ‘Basis’ in Futures Trading.
Basis is the difference between the current spot price of the underlying asset and the price of its corresponding futures contract. It is calculated as: Basis = Spot Price – Futures Price.
The basis can be positive (contango) or negative (backwardation). As the futures contract approaches expiration, the basis tends to narrow and eventually converge to zero.
Glossar
Spot Price
Valuation ⎊ The spot price in cryptocurrency, options, and derivatives represents the current market-clearing price for immediate delivery of the underlying asset, functioning as a fundamental benchmark for pricing more complex instruments.
Futures Contract
Leverage ⎊ Futures contracts in cryptocurrency represent agreements to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price on a future date, functioning as a derivative instrument that allows for amplified exposure without immediate asset ownership.