We have decided to unify our BTC and LTC trading fee schedules into one universal tier structure based upon overall USD value traded in the last 30 days. We have also added additional tiers that reduce the taker rate. This new system will allow traders to get the benefit of their BTC volume when trading LTC and vice versa. Because we are anchoring the tiers to the USD value traded, our customers will find it easier to maintain their tier in fluctuating markets, most notably saving money over the old system in the event of a future price rise. The new rates are as follows:
Announcement and new fee structure is here:
https://www.bitfinex.com/pages/announcementsHowever the "fees" page, as well as corresponding user account area are not yet updated.
Ouch, they really jacked up the fees. Obviously they more than doubled for LTC and also much higher thresholds to get discounts on commissions. I guess Finex decidded they were leaving too much money on the table.
The problem with the LTC Bitfinex market is that it's already thinly traded and difficult to get in and out of positions without a lot of slippage. So these fees will probably lead to even less volume and even more difficult to trade LTC there. And then will be even less volume and could be vicious cycle.
I knew they had to add some higher LTC feels eventually but doubling the Taker rate is a lot and most people won't qualify for discounts on the Maker side.
Oh well I am sticking with Bitfinex, but will certainly trade a good bit less there now that will be more drag on returns from the higher commissions and not really profitable to scalp small amounts any longer. But still will be useful when the market is really moving and easier to get in and out of positions.