In a significant move, OKX has initiated the phased launch of equity perpetual contracts that are linked to 17 U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This development marks an expansion into the realm of tokenized real-world assets and emphasizes the exchange’s commitment to providing round-the-clock trading opportunities for derivatives.
The phased rollout began on February 25 and will conclude on March 2, with a comprehensive global marketing campaign scheduled to commence on March 3. According to a company statement, these new products give traders the ability to engage in stock-based derivatives trading 24/7, utilizing a single unified account system reminiscent of the structure used for crypto perpetual futures. Importantly, trading these contracts does not grant users ownership of the underlying shares.
The rollout of these equity perpetual contracts is organized into three distinct batches. The first batch, introduced on February 25, comprises contracts that track major companies such as Robinhood (HOOD), Tesla (TSLA), and MicroStrategy (MSTR). The second batch, which was launched on February 26, includes contracts linked to Intel (INTC), Palantir Technologies (PLTR), Amazon (AMZN), Coinbase (COIN), and Circle (CRCL). The final batch, set for launch on March 2, will feature contracts based on Nvidia (NVDA), Micron Technology (MU), SanDisk (SNDK), Alphabet (GOOGL), Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), Meta Platforms (META), the Nasdaq-100 ETF (QQQ), and the S&P 500 ETF (SPY). This staggered approach is designed to progressively build liquidity for the new products.
One of the key advantages of OKX’s equity perpetuals is that they provide a trading structure that operates outside the fixed hours typical of traditional stock exchanges. This shift allows users to respond to macroeconomic developments and corporate events that occur outside standard equity trading hours. The perpetual contracts do not have expiration dates and employ a funding mechanism similar to those used in crypto perpetual futures, enabling users to track the prices of underlying equities without holding physical shares.
In terms of functionality, the unified account model employed by OKX is noteworthy. It permits users to use their portfolio assets as cross-margin collateral across various products. Earned balances can also be used as collateral for equity positions, enhancing capital efficiency within a user’s portfolio.
Ferry, the regional growth manager at OKX Wallet, highlighted that this launch represents a significant step toward integrating traditional equity exposure within the cryptocurrency market infrastructure. The unified structure ultimately allows for a more coherent trading experience in stock derivatives while optimizing capital use across investment activities.
It’s essential for prospective traders to be aware that derivatives trading carries substantial risk and may not be suitable for all investors.
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