Coinbase Markets is set to enhance its offerings by introducing continuous futures trading for a selection of major altcoins, responding to a growing demand for round-the-clock trading access within the crypto derivatives landscape. This new feature will be available starting December 5, encompassing futures for cryptocurrencies such as Avalanche (AVAX), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), Dogecoin (DOGE), Hedera (HBAR), Litecoin (LTC), Polkadot (DOT), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Stellar (XLM), and SUI.
This initiative expands on Coinbase Derivatives’ existing offerings, which already include 24/7 trading options for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. The exchange provides both standard contracts and nano-sized products targeted at retail investors, making it accessible to a broader range of participants in the market.
In conjunction with this schedule shift, Coinbase is also working to introduce U.S. perpetual-style futures for the same group of altcoins. These contracts are designed to function similarly to crypto-native perpetual swaps, utilizing funding rates to ensure that prices are aligned with the spot market. However, they will differ in that they will have a five-year expiry, contrasting with the indefinite nature typically seen in offshore contracts.
Coinbase’s move to offer 24/7 futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum launched in May, with long-dated futures introduced in July. This positions Coinbase as a pioneer among major U.S. exchanges in providing such products within a compliant framework.
Currently, much of the trading liquidity for non-Bitcoin and Ethereum futures operates offshore, with platforms like Binance and Bybit leading the market. The introduction of a U.S.-based alternative that offers robust institutional access and clearer regulatory guidelines could gradually shift order flow back onshore, particularly in the wake of ongoing volatility in funding markets and increasing regulatory scrutiny on offshore trading operations.
