CEX-DEX Pricing Discrepancy

Arbitrage

A CEX-DEX pricing discrepancy represents a temporary mispricing between the same asset listed on centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs), creating an arbitrage opportunity. This divergence typically arises from differing order flow dynamics, liquidity constraints, and varying transaction costs inherent to each exchange type. Efficient market participants exploit these differentials through simultaneous purchase and sale across platforms, capitalizing on the price spread and contributing to market equilibrium.