How Does the “Funding Rate” Mechanism Work?

The Funding Rate is a periodic payment between traders of perpetual swap contracts, designed to keep the contract price close to the spot price of the underlying asset. If the perpetual price is higher than the spot price, long position holders pay short position holders (positive funding rate).

If lower, shorts pay longs (negative rate). This acts as an arbitrage incentive.

Explain the Funding Rate Mechanism in Perpetual Swaps and Its Function
How Does the Funding Rate Mechanism Keep the Perpetual Swap Price Close to the Spot Price?
How Is Funding Rate Calculated and Who Pays It in a Perpetual Swap?
What Is the Purpose of the “Funding Rate” Mechanism in Perpetual Futures Contracts?
What Happens When the Funding Rate Is Positive versus Negative?
How Does the Funding Rate Mechanism Keep the Perpetual Futures Price Close to the Spot Price?
What Is the Purpose of the Funding Rate in a Perpetual Futures Contract?
How Does the Funding Rate Affect the Cost of Holding a Leveraged Position over Time?

Glossar