The Ethereum network is scheduled to undergo the London Hard Fork on August 5, 2021. This upgrade will affect three BitMEX contracts—ETHUSD Perpetual, ETHUSDU21, and ETHU21 Futures—alongside two BitMEX indices (.BETH and .BETHXBT). All markets will remain operational during the fork.
Impact on BitMEX Indices
BitMEX’s .BETH and .BETHXBT indices are constructed using the following constituent exchanges and weightings:
| Index | Binance | Binance US | Bitstamp | Coinbase | FTX | Huobi | Gemini | Kraken | OKEx | Poloniex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .BETH | – | 3.83% | 9.08% | 50.86% | 16.38% | – | 4.77% | 15.08% | – | – |
| .BETHXBT | 70.51% | – | – | 6.69% | – | 10.36% | – | 3.61% | 6.19% | 2.64% |
As of this announcement, no constituent exchanges have indicated plans to suspend ETH spot trading during the fork. BitMEX will monitor exchanges closely and remove any from the index if they pause ETH markets, aligning with their published schedules.
Key Considerations for Traders
- Increased Volatility: Expect heightened price fluctuations during the fork.
- Risk Management: Adjust positions and leverage to mitigate potential risks.
- Index Adjustments: BitMEX reserves the right to modify indices swiftly to ensure market stability.
👉 Learn how to navigate crypto market volatility
FAQs
1. Will BitMEX halt trading during the London Hard Fork?
No. All affected contracts and indices will remain active.
2. How are the .BETH and .BETHXBT indices calculated?
They aggregate weighted prices from major exchanges (e.g., Coinbase, Kraken) to reflect ETH’s market value.
3. What happens if an exchange pauses ETH trading?
BitMEX will exclude that exchange from the index until trading resumes.
4. Should traders adjust strategies before the fork?
Yes. Reduced leverage and close monitoring of liquidity are advised.
👉 Master risk management for crypto futures
Final Notes
The London Hard Fork introduces Ethereum’s EIP-1559 fee overhaul, potentially reducing gas costs long-term. While BitMEX’s infrastructure is designed to handle forks seamlessly, traders should stay informed via official updates.
For further assistance, contact BitMEX Support.
“`