# How to Trade Perpetuals on GMX (2026)

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**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication
**Difficulty:** Intermediate · **Read time:** 10 min read

## Summary

To trade on GMX: connect an EVM wallet at app.gmx.io, switch to Arbitrum or Avalanche, deposit USDC/ETH as collateral, select a market (BTC, ETH, etc.), choose long or short, set leverage and size, and submit. Monitor liquidation price on the Positions tab.

## Before you trade

Perpetual futures use leverage — losses exceed your deposit if liquidated. GMX uses GLP as counterparty liquidity. Start with low leverage on major pairs.

## Step-by-step

### Step 1: Connect and fund

Connect MetaMask or Rabby at app.gmx.io on Arbitrum. Bridge USDC via the official bridge if needed.

### Step 2: Open a position

Select Trade → choose market → Long or Short → set collateral, leverage, and size. Review entry price and liquidation price.

### Step 3: Manage and close

Monitor PnL and funding fees. Close via Market or Limit order. Withdraw collateral from the account dashboard.
## FAQ

**Q: What is GLP?**

GLP is GMX's liquidity pool token — GLP holders earn trading fees but bear trader PnL risk.

**Q: GMX vs Hyperliquid?**

Hyperliquid is a custom L1 with higher volume; GMX runs on Arbitrum/Avalanche with GLP pool model.

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