Chicago-based exchange operator Cboe Global Markets has received approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to launch leveraged crypto derivative products.
The approval allows Cboe to offer futures contracts that are based on the price of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The contracts will be available in two different leverage levels: 2x and 5x.
Leveraged crypto derivatives are a type of financial instrument that allows investors to amplify their exposure to the price of Bitcoin or Ethereum. For example, if an investor buys a 2x BTC futures contract, they will be able to profit twice as much as if they had simply bought BTC.
However, leveraged crypto derivatives are also risky. If the price of Bitcoin or Ethereum falls, investors could lose more money than they invested.
Cboe is the first exchange operator to receive approval from the CFTC to offer leveraged crypto derivative products. The company's launch of these products is a sign that the CFTC is becoming more comfortable with the idea of crypto derivatives.
It is also a sign that the CFTC is recognizing the growing demand for crypto derivatives from investors.
The launch of Cboe's leveraged crypto derivative products is likely to be welcomed by investors who are looking for ways to amplify their exposure to the price of Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, investors should be aware of the risks involved in trading these products.
Here are some of the risks of trading leveraged crypto derivatives:
- High volatility: The price of Bitcoin and Ethereum is highly volatile, which means that it can move up or down sharply in a short period of time. This can lead to large losses for investors who are trading leveraged crypto derivatives.
- Margin calls: When you trade leveraged crypto derivatives, you are required to put up a margin deposit. This is a percentage of the total value of the trade. If the price of Bitcoin or Ethereum falls, your margin deposit may be insufficient to cover your losses. In this case, you will receive a margin call. A margin call is a notification from your broker that you need to deposit more money into your account to cover your losses. If you do not deposit more money, your broker may liquidate your position, which means that they will sell your Bitcoin or Ethereum at the current market price.
- Leverage can magnify losses: Leverage allows you to amplify your profits, but it can also magnify your losses. If the price of Bitcoin or Ethereum falls, you will lose more money than you invested.
If you are considering trading leveraged crypto derivatives, it is important to understand the risks involved. You should also make sure that you have a trading plan in place and that you are comfortable with the amount of risk you are taking.