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Prediction Market Research

Comprehensive analysis of prediction market microstructure, examining accuracy, efficiency, and trading patterns across 3,587 markets from June 2021 to November 2025.

Market Microstructure Analysis

Data-driven insights from 3,587 markets (June 2021 - November 2025)

Average Accuracy
92.4%+2.1%

How often market probabilities match outcomes

Median Bid-Ask Spread
2.4¢-0.8¢

Cost of trading (lower is better)

Total Markets Analyzed
3,587+487

Sample size from June 2021 - Nov 2025

Average Volume/Market
$22.4K+$3.2K

24-hour trading volume per market

Calibration Curve

How accurately do market probabilities predict outcomes?

Markets are well-calibrated across probability ranges (close to diagonal = accurate)

Volume by Category

Where is the most trading activity?

Politics and Fed Policy drive the highest volumes

Market Efficiency Trend

Bid-ask spreads narrowing as liquidity grows

Tighter spreads indicate improving market efficiency and lower trading costs

Win Rate by Probability Bucket

Actual vs expected outcomes across probability ranges

High probability events (>80%) slightly underperform expectations

Key Insights

Well-calibrated markets: Prediction probabilities closely match actual outcomes across all ranges

Improving efficiency: Bid-ask spreads have compressed 43% as volume increased 166%

Category concentration: Politics and Fed Policy account for 53% of total trading volume

High-probability bias: Events with >80% probability win 84% of the time (6pt underperformance)

Methodology

This analysis framework examines Kalshi prediction market data to understand wealth transfer mechanisms and market microstructure. The dataset includes comprehensive market and trade records spanning multiple years.

Data Sources

  • • Market-level data (pricing, liquidity, lifecycle)
  • • Individual trade execution records
  • • Bid-ask spreads and order book depth
  • • Resolution outcomes (yes/no results)

Key Metrics

  • • Calibration curves (predicted vs actual)
  • • Bid-ask spread compression over time
  • • Volume distribution by category
  • • Win rate accuracy by probability bucket

Research Framework by Jon Becker

Analysis methodology based on Jon Becker's open-source prediction market analysis framework for studying market microstructure and efficiency. The framework provides tools for analyzing pricing accuracy, liquidity trends, and wealth transfer mechanisms across prediction market platforms.

View Jon's Framework on GitHub

This research is for informational and educational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Trading in prediction markets involves risk.