The original release of Bitcoin’s blockchain in 2009 created quite a stir. Prices have fallen significantly from their all-time high of around $64,000 in late 2021, but many investors are bullish on the cryptocurrency’s future and think it might hit $100,000.
But many are still wary of putting their money into Bitcoin because of its notoriously unpredictable past. Even if you’re wary of Bitcoin, there is an investment opportunity for you if you’re interested in crypto. Newer options for investors include micro-Bitcoin futures offered by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group), which allow for Bitcoin price speculation. Everything you ever wanted to know about tiny Bitcoin futures, including how they function, is right here.
Cryptocurrency Futures Mini
Futures trading has been around for a long time. Partners in an investment deal enter into a futures contract when they commit to completing the deal on a certain future date. A buyer’s contract specifies the amount and price of an asset they will purchase, as well as the time of trade execution.
In a futures contract, one party promises to acquire five shares of stock from another party next Tuesday for $50 per share. Regardless of the stock’s intrinsic value as of Tuesday, the purchaser must pay the vendor $250 for each of the five shares.
Similarly, micro-Bitcoin futures function similarly, but they use Bitcoin rather than stock shares. Futures contracts for Bitcoin used to be worth more. A futures contract covering a certain number of bitcoins is required to adhere to certain minimums set by various platforms. To illustrate the point, the smallest contract that the CME Group offered was five bitcoins. A substantial investment of $98,000 would be required at current pricing of about $19,600 (as of August 2022).
For tiny Bitcoin futures, there is a smaller contract size. Contracts are now available for as little as one tenth of a bitcoin, rather than five bitcoins. With the aforementioned value in mind, the lowest-priced Bitcoin contract would be just $1,960.
This is a concise overview of Micro Bitcoin Futures
The CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate (BRR) is the basis for pricing all Bitcoin futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, irrespective of their size. The BRR’s tick size is five dollars. Therefore, there are $5 increments in the BRR. Because of this, contracts for micro-Bitcoin futures have a tick value of $0.50. Using the BRR rate as an example once again, the lowest price is equivalent to 1/100th of a bitcoin.
Investors, for example, often begin by comparing the current BRR rate with the available contract prices, contract end dates, and comparable data. The next step is to use market data to predict if Bitcoin’s price will go up or down before a contract runs out of time. With that information, they can assess the potential profit or loss from a contract.
It is the investor’s job to determine which micro-Bitcoin futures contract offers the best possible return on investment. There will be a gain for the buyer and a loss for the seller if the contract allows the buyer to acquire Bitcoin at a price lower than its market value upon execution. When it goes the other way, the vendor benefits and the consumer suffers.
Essentially, micro-Bitcoin futures and all futures are forms of wagering on the outcome of one position relative to another. Therein lies the similarity to gambling. The house isn’t your opponent here; rather, it’s another investment.
Futures contracts can only be valid if the buyer and seller have a reasonable expectation of winning. Their agreement to the contract’s terms would be conditional on this. One reason futures trading is so complex is that there is usually data that supports both sides’ claims that they will likely be successful.
The Micro Bitcoin Futures Buying Process
Get an account with a brokerage that specializes in micro-Bitcoin futures and offers clearing and execution services if you choose to buy them. If you want to start trading bitcoin futures commission merchants (FCMs), the CME Group typically provides a comprehensive list. Just so you know, that list isn’t exhaustive.
Considerations for Choosing Micro-Bitcoin Futures
A person’s risk tolerance, investment plan, and portfolio make-up should be considered before deciding to invest in tiny Bitcoin futures. The advice to diversify your holdings is popular among investors. If you wish to investigate cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, but are apprehensive about these aspects, tiny Bitcoin futures could serve as a viable alternative to crypto exchanges, digital wallet management, and navigating an unregulated environment. The tax implications of micro-Bitcoin futures are also often simpler than those of buying and selling Bitcoin itself.
Furthermore, complete transparency is yours to enjoy because a single marketplace processes all future micro-Bitcoin transactions. All investors have access to the same data, including cost estimates and prices. That is different from purchasing Bitcoin through exchanges. Depending on the platform, costs can differ.
To conclude, investors can enter the cryptocurrency market at a lower cost via micro-BTC futures, which are cheaper than Bitcoin itself. Worse yet, there is little dedication. To some, that would sound preferable to just buying a risky asset.
But you should also think about the downsides. Among the most important is the fact that futures trading involves some degree of risk. There will be a winner when the dust settles, but both the buyer and the seller are certain that their stance is the strongest. Because of this, one side usually ends up losing money, and sometimes a lot of money.
Given the unpredictable nature of Bitcoin, it may be difficult to determine if you are in the best position. Bitcoin is a virtual currency with no underlying value. Investors’ fluctuating moods and whims determine the prices. Think about how much you can afford to lose before signing a Bitcoin futures contract.
