Technical Definition

Backwardation

Backwardation is a market condition in which a futures price is below the current spot price or nearer-dated contracts trade above later-dated contracts.

By Crypto University Editorial
LiquidityOrder BookVolatility

✦ Key Insight

Understanding the term helps readers interpret trading interfaces and market data and recognize how execution and risk can change.

✕ Common Misconceptions

Definitions and calculations can vary by venue. Do not treat one indicator or market signal as a guaranteed prediction.

Detailed Explanation

Backwardation is a market condition in which a futures price is below the current spot price or nearer-dated contracts trade above later-dated contracts. It is used to describe market structure, price behavior, trade execution, portfolio risk, or derivatives exposure.

In Practice

“A trader may check this concept before entering, sizing, managing, or closing a crypto position.”

Dig Deeper

Liquidity

Liquidity describes how easily an asset can be bought or sold in meaningful size without causing a large change in price.

Order book

An order book is a list of open buy and sell orders arranged by price on a trading venue.

Trading Pair

A trading pair represents two assets that can be exchanged against each other on a market, such as BTC/USDT.

Volatility

Volatility measures the magnitude and frequency of price changes in an asset or market over time.