Coinbase International has just announced that starting August 28, it will include perpetual futures for three altcoins—GMT, Omni Network (OMNI), and Synthetix (SNX)—expanding its derivatives product lineup globally.
What This Expansion Means
Perpetual futures differ from traditional contracts because they have no expiration date—traders can hold positions indefinitely, provided they maintain sufficient margin. Prices generally align with spot markets through a funding rate mechanism, making perpetuals a favorite among advanced traders for speculation or hedging purposes.
This launch broadens Coinbase International’s product offering, catering to both retail and institutional traders outside the U.S. who are seeking enhanced derivatives tools.
Token Deep Dive
- GMT (GameFi Token)As the governance token for the STEPN platform, GMT is part of the popular move-to-earn GameFi niche, rewarding users for physical activity through NFT sneakers.
- OMNI (Omni Network)Omni Network tackles scalability by serving as an interoperability protocol across Ethereum rollups. OMNI tokens are used as gas fees and can also be staked—key infrastructure for cross-rollup integration.
- SNX (Synthetix)SNX powers Synthetix—a decentralized protocol that lets users create and trade synthetic assets (Synths) that mimic the value of real-world instruments, bringing traditional financial exposure into the DeFi space.
Talking Trading Opportunities & Risks
Pros:
- Leverage for amplified gains — traders can multiply their exposure.
- 24/7 trading — crypto derivatives never sleep.
- New avenues for hedging and speculation — especially useful in volatile markets.
Cons:
- Higher risk of liquidation — leverage can cause swift exits from positions if the market moves against you.
- Funding rate costs — ongoing cost to maintain a position; understanding rates is essential.
- Volatility awareness — altcoins can swing sharply, requiring smart risk management.
Strategic Implications
Coinbase’s move to add these altcoin perpetuals underscores its commitment to diversifying derivative offerings and enhancing liquidity for niche tokens. By enabling trading of assets across GameFi, infrastructure, and DeFi verticals, the platform is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for advanced market instruments.
Pro Tips for Traders
- Define clear entry and exit strategies — always plan your trades.
- Use stop-loss and take-profit — quick liquidation can protect your capital.
- Study funding rates — they affect long-term holding costs.
- Know the assets — understanding GMT, OMNI, and SNX is key to smarter play.
- Start small — if you’re new to perpetuals, experiment with low exposure first.
