Funding rate arbitrage (cash-and-carry for perps)
The idea: when funding is consistently positive, hedge spot vs perp to capture the funding payments. The real question is net carry after fees, basis, and slippage.
- Estimate net carry: funding − fees − basis
- Use low-fee venues and avoid thin books
- Close positions before high-risk events
Common pitfalls
- Funding flips quickly in trend reversals
- Fees eat small carry edges
- Liquidation risk on the perp leg