Price Impact

Overview of price impact.

Price Impact is another critical component of the Reflective Market Maker (RMM) system employed by Aark. In the context of trading, the term "Price Impact" generally refers to the difference between the market price of an asset and the price at which a trader can execute a large order. The higher the price impact, the more the price will move against the trader when executing large trades, resulting in potentially less favorable trade outcomes.

How Price Impact is Calculated

PriceĀ Impact(%)=VolumeĀ /Ā depthĀ factorPrice\ Impact(\%) = Volume\ /\ depth\ factor

In Aark's RMM system, Price Impact is not a standalone number but is intricately tied to other components like Depth Factor, Mark Price, and Open Interest. However, Price Impact is generally computed based on the order size relative to the liquidity in the order book. In other words, large orders in a shallow market will likely have a higher price impact, while smaller orders in a deep market will usually have a minimal impact.

Relevance to Traders

For traders, understanding Price Impact is vital for effective risk management. A high price impact can erode profits or exacerbate losses, especially in a fast-moving market. This is particularly significant for traders dealing with large order sizes, as a high Price Impact could result in a less favorable average entry or exit price.

Price Impact in the Context of the RMM System

Within the RMM system, Price Impact is dynamically adjusted according to real-time market conditions, like Depth Factor and Open Interest. As these variables change, so does the potential for Price Impact, making it a dynamic component of the RMM system. The RMM system's aim to minimize Price Impact enhances market efficiency and provides a smoother trading experience.

An Example in a BTC Perpetual Market

Let's say Bob wants to buy 100 BTC contracts, and the current Depth Factor is 100,000. In a traditional order book, this order size might significantly move the market against him, causing a high Price Impact. However, the RMM system on Aark can dynamically adjust the Depth Factor and liquidity in the order book based on real-time conditions, helping to minimize the Price Impact for Bob's trade. This leads to a more efficient and potentially more profitable trading experience for Bob.

By understanding Price Impact as part of the RMM system, traders like Bob can make more informed decisions, improving their overall trading strategy and potential profitability.

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