Coinbase has introduced gold and silver perpetual futures for users outside the United States, marking another step in bringing traditional assets onto crypto-based infrastructure. The new products allow continuous exposure to precious metals through a structure that mirrors how crypto derivatives already operate.
These contracts track the prices of one troy ounce of gold and one troy ounce of silver and settle in USDC, with no expiration date. As a result, participants can hold positions without worrying about rollovers, while gains and losses settle directly in digital-dollar format.
Coinbase Expands Into Gold And Silver Perpetual Futures
The launch, highlighted in today’s crypto news, targets both institutional and retail users in supported regions, offering access via the Coinbase International Exchange and the main platform. Unlike traditional commodity markets that operate on fixed schedules, these contracts run around the clock except during maintenance periods.
This shift changes how market participants interact with metals. Instead of waiting for markets to reopen, they can respond immediately to global developments. In addition, smaller contract sizes lower the barrier to entry, allowing greater flexibility in position management.
At the same time, the platform offers up to 25x leverage, combined with built-in risk controls designed for large-scale participation. This structure aligns closely with how crypto derivatives function, where continuous access and capital efficiency remain central.
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Coinbase Pushes Toward 24/7 Commodity Markets In The US
While the current rollout focuses on non-US users, Coinbase is also working with regulators to extend similar functionality domestically. At present, US-based participants can access commodity futures through Coinbase Derivatives, a regulated platform overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
However, these products still follow more traditional trading hours. Coinbase now aims to move toward a fully continuous model, which would allow activity during weekends and major global events without interruption.
Such a transition would also support more seamless strategies across different asset classes, enabling participants to manage crypto and commodity exposure within a single system.
Gold And Silver Gain Relevance Amid Market Uncertainty
The timing of this expansion reflects renewed interest in precious metals. Gold, valued at over $13 trillion globally, and silver, at around $1.4 trillion, continue to play a central role during periods of economic uncertainty.
In recent years, gold reached record levels above $2,400 per ounce, driven by central bank demand and inflation concerns. Similar conditions continue to influence market behavior, with geopolitical tensions adding further volatility.
Traditionally, accessing these markets required larger contracts, limited trading hours, and specialized brokerage setups. By contrast, Coinbase’s model introduces continuous access, smaller position sizes, and simplified settlement through digital assets.
Crypto Infrastructure Continues To Expand Beyond Digital Assets
This move builds on a broader trend where crypto-based platforms extend beyond native tokens. Over the past two years, Coinbase has added derivatives tied to digital assets, equity indexes, and now commodities.
At the same time, demand for commodity-linked instruments has increased. In the first quarter of 2026, Coinbase Derivatives recorded over $52 billion in volume across traditional commodity futures, highlighting growing interest in these markets.
By bringing gold and silver into a continuous trading environment, Coinbase positions itself at the intersection of traditional finance and digital infrastructure. The result is a system where long-established assets operate within a framework originally built for crypto, offering uninterrupted access and streamlined execution across global markets.
Notably, the move comes as Coinbase recently laid off 14% of its workforce, citing market volatility and AI implications. The exchange also recently launched a predictions market on X, further expanding its footprint in global finance.
This is an email I sent earlier today to all employees at Coinbase:
Team,
Today I’ve made the difficult decision to reduce the size of Coinbase by ~14%. I want to walk you through why we're doing this now, what it means for those affected, and how this positions us for the…
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) May 5, 2026
Temitope Olajide
Josiah Oluwadare
