ArbitrageAdvanced10 min read

Arbitrage Opportunities with Synthetic Assets

Profit from price discrepancies between DEX and oracle prices

Learn how arbitrageurs help maintain synthetic asset pegs while capturing risk-free profits from price deviations.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Understand the Peg Mechanism

Continuum synthetics are valued at oracle price during redemption. DEX prices can deviate from oracle prices due to supply/demand imbalances.

The arbitrage opportunity exists in the gap between DEX and oracle prices.

2

Monitor Price Deviations

Track DEX prices for L/S tokens against oracle prices. When DEX price < oracle price, there is a buying opportunity. When DEX price > oracle price, there is a selling opportunity.

Build or use monitoring tools to catch deviations quickly - they can close fast.

3

Execute the Arbitrage (Buy Low)

When DEX price is below oracle: Buy cheap L+S tokens on DEX → Redeem at Continuum for full stablecoin value → Profit the difference.

Account for DEX fees, slippage, and gas costs in your profitability calculation.

4

Execute the Arbitrage (Sell High)

When DEX price is above oracle: Mint L/S at Continuum → Sell expensive token on DEX → Keep the other token or redeem → Profit the premium.

This works best when only one side (L or S) is trading at a premium.

5

Automate for Efficiency

Build bots to monitor prices and execute arbitrage atomically. Combine with flash loans for capital-efficient execution.

Competition is fierce - latency and gas optimization matter.

Risks to Consider

  • Execution risk - prices can move during transaction
  • Gas costs can exceed profit on small arbitrages
  • Competition from other arbitrageurs
  • Smart contract risk during complex transactions

Practice With These Assets

Related Guides

Ready to Trade Synthetics?

Get early access to Continuum and trade synthetic assets 24/7 on Solana.

Get Early Access