What is shorting Crypto Assets

Shorting Crypto Assets refers to a trading method where one borrows coins to sell them when the price drops and then buys them back at a lower price to profit from the price difference. Unlike going long (bullish), shorting is a bet on the price decline. For example, if you predict that the price of Bitcoin will drop from $60,000 to $55,000, you can choose to short.

Common ways of shorting

1. Contract Trading: Open short contracts on the platform, such as using the perpetual contract feature of exchanges like Gate. When the price of the coin falls, the short position can profit.
2. Leverage trading: Some platforms support leverage rates of 3x, 5x, or even higher, allowing for shorting after borrowing funds, which amplifies profits (but also increases risks).
3. Borrowing coins for shorting: Use the platform’s “Borrow Coins” feature (Margin) to borrow BTC, ETH, and other Crypto Assets, sell them on the market, and then buy them back at a lower price to return.
4. Options trading: Advanced investors can also achieve shorting by buying “put options”, but this method is more complex and is not recommended for newbies to try in the beginning.

Recommended shorting platforms for newbies

Image:https://www.gate.com/futures/USDT/BTC_USDT

The Gate platform supports a Chinese interface, is highly user-friendly, and is suitable for Newbies to start trying. It offers leverage and contract tools, making it suitable for users with small to medium assets. Before choosing a platform, be sure to complete KYC certification and familiarize yourself with its leverage limits and liquidation mechanisms.

The risks of shorting and risk control techniques

Although shorting can profit when the market declines, its risks cannot be ignored:

• Forced Liquidation (Margin Call): If the market rises against your position and the account margin is insufficient, the platform will automatically close the position, resulting in a loss.
• Market volatility is severe: Crypto Assets have high volatility, and sudden price increases can quickly lead to significant losses in shorting positions.
• Interest cost: Borrowing coins for shorting will incur daily interest or fees, which need to be included in cost considerations.

Risk Control Recommendations:

• Set a stop-loss line and strictly adhere to the discipline.
• Control your position and avoid full position operations.
• Do not frequently engage in shorting to avoid being washed out by volatility.
• Watch more and act less, wait for a clear down signal before entering the market.

Summary: Use shorting tools with caution.

For newbies entering the market, shorting is a means of hedging risks or profiting against the trend, but it needs to be based on a thorough understanding of the market, platform mechanisms, and risk management. It is recommended to start practicing with small positions, gradually familiarizing oneself with the logic of shorting, and not to operate blindly.