Understanding OKX Cryptocurrency Trading Prices: Latest, Index, and Mark Prices Explained

When trading on OKX, you’ll encounter three key price types: the latest成交价 (Last Traded Price), 指数价格 (Index Price), and 标记价格 (Mark Price). But what do these terms mean, and how do they differ? Let’s break it down.

👉 Discover how OKX’s advanced pricing mechanisms protect traders


How to Identify the 3 Cryptocurrency Trading Prices on OKX

1. Latest Traded Price (最新成交价)

The latest成交价 reflects the most recent transaction price for a contract on OKX’s order book. It fluctuates in real-time based on market activity.

2. Index Price (指数价格)

The 指数价格 is calculated using a weighted average of prices from multiple major exchanges (e.g., Binance, Coinbase). It serves as a benchmark to anchor OKX’s perpetual contracts, ensuring fairness and reducing manipulation risks.

3. Mark Price (标记价格)

The 标记价格 combines the Index Price with a moving average of the basis rate (the difference between futures and spot prices). It’s used to:
– Calculate unrealized P&L
– Determine liquidation thresholds
– Settle contracts

Unlike the latest成交价, the Mark Price smooths out short-term volatility, protecting traders from unnecessary liquidations due to market swings.


OKX’s Price Mechanisms: Key Differences and Functions

Price Type Calculation Method Primary Use Case
Latest Traded Price Real-time order book transactions Displaying current market activity
Index Price Weighted average of external exchange data Anchoring contract fairness
Mark Price Index Price + Basis Rate MA Liquidation & settlement

👉 Why OKX’s Mark Price system leads the industry

Why OKX’s System Stands Out:
Anti-manipulation: The Mark Price’s moving average mechanism prevents “whale” traders from forcing liquidations.
Stability: Reduces false triggers during high volatility.
Transparency: Multi-exchange index ensures fair valuation.


FAQ: Cryptocurrency Trading Prices on OKX

Q1: Which price determines liquidations?

A: OKX uses the Mark Price (not the latest成交价) for liquidation calculations to prevent unfair triggers.

Q2: How often is the Index Price updated?

A: OKX updates Index Prices every second using real-time data from partner exchanges.

Q3: Can the Latest Traded Price and Mark Price diverge?

A: Yes—during extreme volatility or low liquidity, short-term discrepancies may occur.

Q4: Why does OKX use multiple exchanges for Index Prices?

A: This decentralized approach minimizes single-exchange manipulation risks.

Q5: How does the basis rate affect Mark Price?

A: A high basis rate (futures premium) increases the Mark Price, while a negative rate lowers it.

Q6: Is the Mark Price system unique to OKX?

A: While other exchanges use similar models, OKX’s moving average algorithm is exceptionally resilient to manipulation.


Key Takeaways

  • Latest Traded Price = Real-time market activity
  • Index Price = Benchmark from external exchanges
  • Mark Price = Stabilized price for liquidation/settlement
  • OKX’s system prioritizes trader protection and market integrity

By understanding these pricing mechanisms, traders can make more informed decisions and leverage OKX’s robust trading environment effectively.