> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.degenbot.wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.degenbot.wiki/start-here/markets-symbols-and-timeframes.md).

# Markets, symbols, and timeframes

Know which instrument and time window a message describes before comparing prices.

### Read the whole symbol

A pair such as **BTC/USDT** describes bitcoin priced in USDT. BTC/USD and BTC/USDT are not the same quoted pair. The exchange or data venue matters too: two markets can show different prices at the same moment.

An example using BTC or ETH is not a statement that the asset is currently supported. Use the live market list or official offer for supported instruments. Do not infer supported exchanges from the legacy Ninja Bot documentation.

### Spot and derivatives are different markets

A spot quote concerns the asset market. A futures or perpetual quote concerns a derivatives contract. They should not be substituted for one another without explanation.

**SHORT** in an alert describes the direction of the scenario. It does not mean the bot has opened a short position, that you own a derivatives account, or that such a product is available or appropriate for you.

### Timeframe is not expiry

A candle timeframe says how much market activity is grouped into each bar. For example, a one-minute candle summarises one minute. It does not tell you how long the bot allows an alert to resolve.

Keep these separate:

| Time label                   | Question it answers                                       |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Data timeframe               | How is the source chart divided into bars?                |
| Observation timestamp        | When was the condition observed?                          |
| Send or receipt time         | When did the message leave the bot or reach you?          |
| Evaluation horizon or expiry | How long can this particular observation remain eligible? |

The **1m** stream name must not be read as a one-minute trade duration unless the active rule expressly says so.

### Comparing a message with a chart

Match the pair, market type, venue, timeframe, and timestamp before calling a price wrong. Check whether the chart uses last-traded, index, or mark price when that distinction is relevant. A later quote may simply be newer than the alert.

Never treat a stale reference price as a guaranteed price available now. When a venue or expiry is missing, ask for clarification through support rather than supplying a rule from another stream.