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Essential

Prediction Market

A market where contracts trade on the outcome of future events.

Quick answer

A prediction market trades contracts on the outcome of future events.

Definition

A prediction market lets traders buy and sell contracts on the outcome of future events, from elections to economic releases. Prices reflect the market estimate of how likely an outcome is. They offer a different risk profile from price trading and are a distinct asset class.

How It Works

  • Prices reflect estimated probability
  • It covers elections, sports and releases
  • It is a distinct asset class

Trading Tips

1

Understand the event and the contract before trading

2

Size for binary outcomes, not gradual moves

3

Compare prices across platforms for value

Prediction Market Example

Say election contracts price Candidate A at 62 cents days before the vote. That price is the crowd 62% probability. Polls shift, the contract swings to 45 cents, and traders who read turnout data early double money.

How Traders Use Prediction Market

Trade prediction markets on information edges, not opinions: turnout models, early counts, base rates. Prices reflect crowds, and crowds misprice late news systematically. Size small. Resolution disputes happen.

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