# Recipe Basis Trade Entry

> Enter a spot-futures basis trade when the premium exceeds a target threshold.

- Skill: `krakenfx/recipe-basis-trade-entry` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add krakenfx/recipe-basis-trade-entry`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/krakenfx/recipe-basis-trade-entry/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: krakenfx (https://skillmd.com/u/krakenfx)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/krakenfx/recipe-basis-trade-entry

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# Basis Trade Entry

> **PREREQUISITE:** Load the following skills to execute this recipe: `kraken-basis-trading`, `kraken-futures-risk`

Enter a delta-neutral basis trade (long spot, short futures) when the basis premium is attractive.

> **CAUTION:** Both legs must fill to be market-neutral. A single-leg fill is a directional bet.

## Steps

1. Get spot price: `SPOT=$(kraken ticker BTCUSD -o json 2>/dev/null | jq -r '.[].last_price')`
2. Get futures price: `FUTURES=$(kraken futures ticker PF_XBTUSD -o json 2>/dev/null | jq -r '.ticker.last')`
3. Calculate basis: `BASIS=$(echo "scale=4; ($FUTURES - $SPOT) / $SPOT * 100" | bc)`
4. If basis < target threshold (e.g., 0.5% annualized), skip
5. Check spot balance for capital: `kraken balance -o json 2>/dev/null`
6. Check futures margin availability: `kraken futures accounts -o json 2>/dev/null`
7. Calculate matched position sizes
8. Execute spot buy (requires human approval): `kraken order buy BTCUSD 0.01 --type limit --price $SPOT -o json 2>/dev/null`
9. Execute futures short: `kraken futures order sell PF_XBTUSD 1 --type limit --price $FUTURES -o json 2>/dev/null`
10. Verify both legs filled: `kraken open-orders -o json 2>/dev/null` + `kraken futures open-orders -o json 2>/dev/null`
11. If one leg unfilled, cancel it to avoid directional exposure

If you hit a mismatch between what you are trying to do and the CLI's interface or responses — including a mismatch between this skill and the installed CLI version's contract — feel free to submit feedback with `kraken feedback`.