Crypto exchange OKX is set to expand its derivatives lineup with the launch of nine USDT-margined perpetual futures contracts tied to major U.S. equities and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on March 4, 2026.
The contracts will go live in staggered 15-minute intervals beginning at 07:00 UTC and concluding at 09:00 UTC. Trading will be available across web, mobile app, and API interfaces.
Stock-Linked Perpetual Futures Rollout
The new listings include perpetual futures contracts tracking shares of NVIDIA Corporation, Micron Technology, Sandisk Corporation, Alphabet Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Apple Inc., and Meta Platforms.
In addition, the exchange will introduce perpetual futures tied to two major U.S. ETFs: Invesco QQQ Trust, which tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, which mirrors the performance of the S&P 500 Index.
Each contract will be quoted and settled in USDT, allowing traders to gain synthetic exposure to U.S. equities within a crypto-denominated trading environment.
Trading Structure and Leverage
All nine products are perpetual futures contracts without expiry. They will support leverage ranging from 0.01x to a maximum of 5x.
The launch schedule is structured as follows:
- 07:00 UTC – NVDA/USDT
- 07:15 UTC – MU/USDT
- 07:30 UTC – SNDK/USDT
- 07:45 UTC – GOOG/USDT
- 08:00 UTC – MSFT/USDT
- 08:15 UTC – AAPL/USDT
- 08:30 UTC – META/USDT
- 08:45 UTC – QQQ/USDT
- 09:00 UTC – SPY/USDT
The sequential activation spans a two-hour window.
Funding Rate Mechanism
The contracts will apply a standardized funding rate mechanism with an eight-hour settlement interval under normal conditions. The funding rate formula incorporates an average premium index and an interest rate component, with an inner adjustment cap of ±0.05% and an outer boundary of ±1.50%.
If the funding rate reaches its defined cap or floor at settlement time, the funding interval will automatically shift from the standard eight-hour cycle to hourly settlements.
Stablecoin-Based Settlement: All contracts will be margined and settled exclusively in USDT, standardizing collateral requirements across the product suite. This structure enables profit and loss calculations, funding payments, and margin allocations to remain denominated in a stablecoin format rather than fiat currency.
Broader Product Expansion
The addition of stock- and ETF-linked perpetual futures reflects a continued convergence between crypto derivatives markets and traditional financial instruments. By offering exposure to large-cap technology stocks and benchmark ETFs in perpetual futures form, OKX is expanding access to equity-linked trading strategies within its digital asset ecosystem. The contracts will become available on March 4, 2026, with full rollout completed by 09:00 UTC. STBL recently announced OKX Ventures funding for its X Layer stablecoin project. The investment highlights OKX Ventures’ expanding role in stablecoin and blockchain infrastructure development.
