OKX perpetual contracts have emerged as a popular derivative product in the cryptocurrency space, offering unique advantages over traditional futures. This guide explores their trading schedules, key features, and mechanisms that make them stand out.
24/7 Trading With Scheduled Interruptions
OKX perpetual contracts operate on a 7×24-hour trading model, but with scheduled settlements every 8 hours at:
- 4:00 (GMT+8)
- 12:00 (GMT+8)
- 20:00 (GMT+8)
👉 Discover how OKX's settlement system works
During these 8-hour intervals:
- Trading pauses temporarily while the system processes funding rates and position settlements
- Downtime duration varies based on computational requirements
- Different crypto pairs resume trading independently once their settlements complete
Key Features of OKX Perpetual Contracts
1. No Expiration Date
Unlike traditional futures, these contracts:
- Eliminate mandatory settlement dates
- Allow indefinite position holding
- Enable long-term trading strategies
2. Price Anchoring Mechanism
The contracts maintain price stability through:
- Spot price index tracking from major exchanges
- Funding rate system that incentivizes price convergence
- <2% typical deviation from spot markets
3. Flexible Leverage (Up to 100x)
Traders benefit from:
- Adjustable leverage post-trade
- Risk-managed 100x maximum exposure
- Real-time position monitoring tools
4. Auto-Deleveraging Protection
OKX prioritizes trader security via:
- Isolated margin accounts
- Tiered liquidation thresholds
- Transparent insurance fund coverage
5. Dual-Price System
The platform combines:
- Mark Price (derived from spot indices) for liquidation triggers
- Last Traded Price for general execution
FAQ: Perpetual Contracts Explained
Q: Can I hold OKX perpetual positions overnight?
A: Yes, positions remain open indefinitely until manually closed or liquidated.
Q: How long do trading halts last during settlements?
A: Typically 2-5 minutes, varying by market conditions and asset liquidity.
Q: What happens if I'm in a trade during settlement?
A: All active orders remain unchanged—only new orders are temporarily restricted.
Q: Is leverage required for perpetual trading?
A: No, you can trade at 1x leverage (equivalent to spot exposure).
Q: How does OKX prevent price manipulation?
A: Through multiple exchange price sampling and outlier filtering algorithms.
👉 Learn advanced perpetual trading strategies