The MarketVector™ Bitcoin Benchmark Rate (BBR) stands as a trusted and transparent reference rate for Bitcoin’s value in U.S. dollars. Calculated using a one-hour volume-weighted median price, BBR delivers a reliable, manipulation-resistant benchmark widely adopted across the digital asset ecosystem. With over $3.12 billion in assets under management tied to financial products based on this index, BBR has become a cornerstone for institutional investors, fintech developers, and financial product issuers seeking accurate, real-time Bitcoin pricing.
Designed with integrity and precision, the BBR index leverages data from the top five exchanges ranked by CryptoCompare’s Exchange Benchmark, ensuring high-quality, liquid market inputs. Its methodology emphasizes resilience against volatility and outliers, making it ideal for use in structured products, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), derivatives, and risk management systems.
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How the Bitcoin Benchmark Rate Is Calculated
At the core of BBR’s reliability is its robust calculation methodology:
- Volume-weighted median price derived from twenty 3-minute intervals over a one-hour window
- Data sourced exclusively from top-tier cryptocurrency exchanges
- Real-time dissemination from 00:00 to 24:00 ET, ensuring continuous availability
- Closing value determined at 16:00 ET daily
This approach filters out anomalous trades and reduces the influence of low-liquidity or potentially manipulative markets. By focusing on median pricing rather than mean averages, BBR naturally resists price spikes and wash trading—common concerns in digital asset markets.
Why Median Pricing Matters
Unlike simple average-based indices, median pricing eliminates extreme outliers. For example, if one exchange reports an abnormally high or low Bitcoin price due to thin order books or technical glitches, that data point won’t skew the overall index value. This makes BBR particularly valuable for institutions requiring stable, audit-ready benchmarks.
Key Index Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | June 2, 2020 |
| Base Date | December 31, 2015 |
| Base Value | 425.23 |
| Currency | USD |
| Index Type | Digital Assets |
| Calculation Agent | CCData |
| Dissemination | Real-time |
| Next Review Date | November 25, 2025 |
BBR is recalculated every minute, providing up-to-the-second accuracy for time-sensitive applications such as derivatives settlement and portfolio valuation.
Global Index Variants and Identifiers
MarketVector offers multiple versions of the BBR index tailored to different regional markets and trading hours:
- BBR: Global benchmark (USD)
- BBRHKG: Hong Kong market variant
- BBRLDN: London market variant
- BBRSK: Skew-resistant version
- SATOSHI: Long-term performance tracker
Each variant maintains consistent methodology while adapting to local trading patterns. These versions are accessible through major financial data platforms including Bloomberg, Reuters, and SIX Financial Information.
Universal Identification Codes
For seamless integration into trading and reporting systems, BBR variants are assigned standard financial identifiers:
- ISIN: DE000SL0A0E5 (BBR)
- SEDOL: BMFXWZ6
- WKN: SL0A0E
- Bloomberg Ticker: BBR
- Reuters Instrument Code: .BBR
- FIGI: BBG00TX28MC5
These identifiers ensure compatibility with global clearing, custody, and regulatory reporting frameworks.
Performance Overview
BBR has demonstrated strong long-term growth, reflecting Bitcoin's increasing adoption and market maturity.
Historical Performance (Price Return)
- Year-to-Date (YTD): +17.17%
- 1-Year Return: +83.30%
- 3-Year Return: +469.33%
- 5-Year Return: +1,108.05%
- Since Inception (Dec 2015): +25,726.46%
Bitcoin’s transformation from niche technology to mainstream asset class is clearly reflected in these figures. The index's consistent upward trajectory underscores its role as a foundational benchmark in digital finance.
All-Time and Recent Price Ranges
- All-Time High: $111,574.40
- All-Time Low: $369.89
- 52-Week Range: $53,118.09 – $111,574.40
- Monthly High/Low: $109,821.87 / $99,175.03
👉 See how real-time benchmarking supports smarter investment decisions in fast-moving crypto markets.
Volatility Metrics
Understanding volatility is crucial for risk assessment and portfolio management.
- 1-Month Volatility: 35.46%
- 1-Year Volatility: 50.38%
While Bitcoin remains more volatile than traditional assets, these metrics show a gradual stabilization trend over longer horizons—a sign of maturing market dynamics.
Review Schedule and Governance
BBR undergoes semi-annual reviews to ensure ongoing relevance and data integrity.
Upcoming Review Timeline (2025)
| Review Cycle | Index Data Cut-off | Announcement | Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | May 25, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | May 31, 2025 |
| Q4 2025 | November 24, 2025 | November 25, 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
Review results are published in Excel format at 23:00 CET on announcement dates. All changes take effect the following trading day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes BBR different from other Bitcoin price indexes?
A: BBR uses a volume-weighted median over one hour from only the top five regulated exchanges, reducing manipulation risk and improving reliability compared to simple averages or spot prices from single exchanges.
Q: Can I use BBR data for commercial products?
A: Yes, but a licensing agreement is required for commercial use—such as ETFs, mutual funds, derivatives, or investment research. Contact MarketVector for licensing details.
Q: Is BBR updated in real time?
A: Yes. The index is disseminated continuously from 00:00 to 24:00 Eastern Time, making it suitable for live trading and settlement systems.
Q: How often is the index composition reviewed?
A: BBR is reviewed semi-annually (in May and November). Exchange eligibility is reassessed based on liquidity, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
Q: Does BBR include fees or dividends?
A: No. BBR is a price return index and does not account for holding costs or income. Total return variants may be available under license.
Q: Where can I access historical BBR data?
A: Historical time series and metadata are available through licensed data providers and direct partnerships with MarketVector.
Related Digital Asset Indices
MarketVector offers a growing suite of crypto benchmarks designed for institutional use:
- MarketVector™ Bitcoin VWAP Close Index: Tracks Bitcoin performance using a 1-hour volume-weighted average price at daily close.
- MarketVector™ Ethereum Benchmark Rate: A robust USD reference rate for Ethereum using the same methodology as BBR.
- Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index (VIR10I): Measures the performance of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap.
- MarketVector™ Sui VWAP Close Index (MVSUIV): Focuses exclusively on the Sui blockchain asset.
These indices support diversified exposure and advanced strategy development across the digital asset landscape.
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