> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://limelight-1.gitbook.io/limelight-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://limelight-1.gitbook.io/limelight-docs/the-basics/making-your-first-trade.md).

# Making Your First Trade

This page walks you through everything from signing in to placing your first trade on Limelight. The whole process takes a few minutes.

## Before You Start

You'll need:

* A web browser (Chrome or Brave recommended)
* A Limelight account — created in seconds with **Privy** (Google, email, or X), or by connecting a Movement-compatible wallet
* Funds to deposit (USDCx, or USDC / other assets from almost any chain via Smart Routing)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Sign In

Go to [limelight.markets](https://limelight.markets/) and click **Sign In**. Limelight uses **Privy** for authentication, so you can choose:

* **Google** — sign in with your Google account
* **Email** — sign in with any email address
* **X (Twitter)** — sign in with your X account
* **Continue with a wallet** — connect a Movement-compatible wallet (OKX Wallet, Razor, or Nightly)

All options create the same Limelight account with full access. Privy provisions a wallet for you automatically — no seed phrase to write down.

> **Wallet login is for authentication.** If you sign in by connecting an existing wallet, Limelight never gains access to the funds in it. To trade, you deposit into your Limelight balance separately. See [Wallets & Networks](/limelight-docs/knowledge-base/wallets-and-networks.md).
> {% endstep %}

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## Fund Your Account

Open the **Funds** section to deposit into your Limelight balance. The simplest path is **USDCx**, the native USDC-backed stablecoin on Movement.

Don't have funds on Movement yet? **Smart Routing** lets you deposit USDC (and other supported assets) from many chains — Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Ethereum, Polygon, and more. It bridges and converts your deposit into USDCx on Movement automatically, usually in seconds. See [Smart Routing](broken://pages/fdf3fd4c4b2096123e7559c7e7ae5ec242e83211).
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{% step %}

## Browse Markets

Head to the **Markets** page. You'll see:

* **Featured Markets** — curated, event-driven markets around elections, championships, and major announcements
* **Creator-Led Markets** — markets created by the community
* *(Recurring Markets arrive in a later phase.)*

Each listing shows the question, current share prices, volume, time to resolution, and whether the market is **Boosted** (2× LP).
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{% step %}

## Pick Your Side

Example market:

> "Will BTC/USD close above $100,000 at 16:00 UTC today?" — YES: $0.55 · NO: $0.45

The market is pricing a \~55% chance. If you think it's higher, buy YES. If lower, buy NO.
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## Choose Your Size

* **Quick presets:** $5 / $20 / $50 / $100 (or % of balance)
* **Manual input:** for precise control over your position size
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## Review and Confirm

The trade panel shows:

<table><thead><tr><th width="215">Field</th><th>What it means</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Position</td><td>YES or NO</td></tr><tr><td>Shares</td><td>Number of shares you're buying</td></tr><tr><td>Cost</td><td>Total amount you'll pay</td></tr><tr><td>Avg. Price</td><td>Price per share</td></tr><tr><td>Potential Payout</td><td>What your shares are worth if you're right (~$1 per share)</td></tr><tr><td>Protocol Fee</td><td>1% of trade value</td></tr><tr><td>Creator Fee</td><td>0–2%, shown if applicable</td></tr><tr><td>Est. LP</td><td>Limelight Points you'll earn from this trade</td></tr></tbody></table>

Review and confirm. The transaction confirms in under a second on Movement.
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## Manage Your Position

* **Hold** — wait for resolution. Winning shares redeem at \~$1.00.
* **Sell early** — sell at the current market price to take profit or cut losses.
* **Buy more** — add to your position if conviction strengthens.
  {% endstep %}

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## Redeem After Resolution

When a market resolves, winning shares are redeemable for \~$1.00 each and losing shares are worth $0.00. Redemptions are credited to your Limelight balance. Unclaimed winnings remain available for 90 days.
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## A Worked Example

You think BTC will close above $100K today. You buy **200 YES shares at $0.55** each.

* Your cost: 200 × $0.55 = **$110**
* Protocol fee (1%): **$1.10** → total **$111.10**
* LP earned: **110 LP** (1 LP per $1 of traded volume)
* If BTC closes above $100K: 200 × \~$1.00 = \~$200. Profit: \~$88.90.
* If not: loss of $111.10.
* If you sell early at $0.75: 200 × $0.75 = $150. Gross profit: \~$38.90 (minus sell fees).

## Tips for New Traders

* **Start small.** A few $5–$20 trades will teach you more than reading docs.
* **Start with Featured Markets.** They're well-structured and resolve cleanly.
* **Read the resolution criteria.** Check exactly how and when the market resolves.
* **Watch for Boosted markets.** Same fee, double the LP.
* **Don't forget you can sell.** You're never locked in.

## FAQ

<details>

<summary>What's the minimum trade size?</summary>

$0.1 per buy transaction.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I trade on mobile?</summary>

Yes — the web interface is mobile-responsive.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I earn LP on every trade?</summary>

Yes. You earn 1 LP per $1 of traded volume. If the market is Boosted, you earn 2×. See [How to Earn LP](/limelight-docs/the-basics/how-to-earn-lp.md).

</details>


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