What is a delivery contract and what is the difference compared to a perpetual contract?

Perpetual contracts, unlike delivery contracts, provide flexibility by eliminating expiration dates and allowing traders to hold their positions indefinitely without the obligation to buy or sell.

Feb 23, 2025 at 01:42 am

Key Points

• A delivery contract is a binding agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specific date in the future.
• A perpetual contract is a contract to buy or sell an asset that does not have a set expiration date and can be held indefinitely.
• Delivery contracts are typically used to hedge against price risk, while perpetual contracts are typically used for speculation and leverage trading.

What is a Delivery Contract?

A delivery contract is a binding agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specific date in the future. The asset can be anything from a physical commodity to a financial instrument. Delivery contracts are typically traded on exchanges, and the price of the contract is based on the spot price of the underlying asset.

When you enter into a delivery contract, you are obligated to buy or sell the underlying asset at the agreed-upon price on the specified date. If you fail to fulfill your obligation, you may be subject to legal penalties.

What is a Perpetual Contract?

A perpetual contract is a contract to buy or sell an asset that does not have a set expiration date and can be held indefinitely. The price of a perpetual contract is based on the spot price of the underlying asset, plus or minus a funding rate. The funding rate is a fee that is paid or received by the holder of the contract, depending on whether the contract is in a positive or negative position.

When you enter into a perpetual contract, you are not obligated to buy or sell the underlying asset. You can hold the contract indefinitely, or you can close the contract at any time by selling it back to the exchange.

Differences Between Delivery Contracts and Perpetual Contracts

The following are some of the key differences between delivery contracts and perpetual contracts:

• Expiration date: Delivery contracts have a set expiration date, while perpetual contracts do not.
• Obligation to buy or sell: Delivery contracts obligate you to buy or sell the underlying asset on the specified date, while perpetual contracts do not.
• Settlement: Delivery contracts are settled by the physical delivery of the underlying asset, while perpetual contracts are settled in cash.
• Use cases: Delivery contracts are typically used to hedge against price risk, while perpetual contracts are typically used for speculation and leverage trading.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using delivery contracts?

Delivery contracts can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Price risk management: Delivery contracts can be used to hedge against price risk by locking in a price for a future purchase or sale.
• Guaranteed delivery: Delivery contracts guarantee that you will be able to buy or sell the underlying asset at the agreed-upon price on the specified date.
• Transparency: Delivery contracts are traded on exchanges, which provides transparency and liquidity.

What are the risks of using delivery contracts?

Delivery contracts also come with some risks, including:

• Obligation to deliver: Delivery contracts obligate you to buy or sell the underlying asset on the specified date, which can be a risk if the price of the asset moves against you.
• Margin calls: If the price of the underlying asset moves against you, you may be required to post additional margin to cover your losses.
• Counterparty risk: Delivery contracts are contracts with other parties, and there is always the risk that the other party will not fulfill their obligations.

What are the benefits of using perpetual contracts?

Perpetual contracts can provide a number of benefits, including:

• No expiration date: Perpetual contracts do not have a set expiration date, which gives you the flexibility to hold the contract indefinitely.
• No obligation to buy or sell: Perpetual contracts do not obligate you to buy or sell the underlying asset, which gives you more flexibility in managing your risk.
• Leverage: Perpetual contracts allow you to trade with leverage, which can magnify your profits (and losses).

What are the risks of using perpetual contracts?

Perpetual contracts also come with some risks, including:

• Funding rate: Perpetual contracts are subject to a funding rate, which can be a significant cost if you are holding a large position.
• Leverage: Leverage can magnify your profits, but it can also magnify your losses.
• Counterparty risk: Perpetual contracts are contracts with other parties, and there is always the risk that the other party will not fulfill their obligations.