How much margin is required for micro futures?
Micro specs and access
As of December 2022, the initial margin for one Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures contract was $1,825 compared to $18,250 for the E-mini Nasdaq contract. At $2, the "multiplier" used to determine the notional value for Micros is also 1/10 the size of the E-mini Nasdaq contract.
Micro specs and access
As of December 2022, the initial margin for one Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures contract was $1,825 compared to $18,250 for the E-mini Nasdaq contract. At $2, the "multiplier" used to determine the notional value for Micros is also 1/10 the size of the E-mini Nasdaq contract.
Trading Micro Futures Contracts: Our Recommendation
For those looking to day trade micro futures contracts like the MES (Micro E-mini S&P 500), MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100), M2K (Micro E-mini Russell 2000), and MYM (Micro E-mini Dow Jones), we recommend a minimum deposit of $1,000.
Whether you go long or short, initial margin requirements vary by futures product, generally ranging anywhere from 3% to 12% of the notional value of the contract. There's also a maintenance margin requirement (balance your account must carry to stay in a position) that may be increased at any time.
Micro E-mini futures contract specifications. S&P 500 futures: 0.25, worth $1.25 per contract.
NinjaTrader offers clients competitive $50 intraday margins for Micro E-mini contracts and only $500 for popular futures markets including the E-mini S&P 500.
For example, the maintenance margin—the minimum amount of money a trader must maintain after opening a position— currently (or as of February 2023), for one Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures contract (/MES) is $1,200.
This can be a risky form of trading, but it also has the potential to generate large profits. If you are starting with a small amount of capital, such as $10 to $100, it is still possible to make money on futures trading.
Some small futures brokers offer accounts with a minimum deposit of $500 or less, but some of the better-known brokers that offer futures will require minimum deposits of as much as $5,000 to $10,000.
Minimum Account Size
A pattern day trader who executes four or more round turns in a single security within a week is required to maintain a minimum equity of $25,000 in their brokerage account. But a futures trader is not required to meet this minimum account size.
What is the lowest margin for futures contracts?
In futures trading, the margin requirements can be as low as 3% to 12% of the traded contract value. The initial margin is the amount a trader must deposit with their broker to initiate a trading position.
If you prefer to trade futures without leverage, you can choose not to utilize margin or borrow money from your broker. By trading futures contracts using only the capital in your trading account, you effectively eliminate leverage from the equation.
Micro E-mini S&P 500 | |
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Contract Size | $5 x S&P 500 Index |
Trading and Clearing Hours | CME Globex and ClearPort: 5:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday-Friday |
Minimum Price Fluctuation | Outright: 0.25 Index points, equal to $1.25 per contract. |
Product Code | CME Globex: MES CME ClearPort: MES Clearing: MES |
Micro futures and options. Trade a slice of our liquid futures and options markets and get the same capital efficiency as standard contracts with less upfront financial commitment.
On-screen text: Disclosure: Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors, and you can experience a significant loss of funds, or you may lose more than the funds you invested.
Margin Policy and Position Management
NinjaTrader offers clients aggressive $50 intraday margins for Micro contracts & only $500 for popular futures markets including the E-mini S&P 500.
- Best for Professional Futures Traders: Interactive Brokers.
- Best for Dedicated Futures Traders: NinjaTrader.
- Best for Futures Education: E*TRADE.
- Best for Desktop Futures Trading: TradeStation.
The current price of Micro E-mini S&P 500 Index Futures is 5065.00 USD — it has risen 1.22% in the past 24 hours.
To trade E-mini S&P 500 futures, you must open an account with a brokerage firm. Once you do, choose your trading strategy and monitor the market until the contract expires.
How much is a contract for E-mini S&P 500?
Standard E-mini S&P 500 Index Futures | |
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Exchange | CME GLOBEX |
Contract point value | $50 USD |
Minimum price fluctuation | .25, (50 * .25 = $12.50 per contract per-minimum move) |
Trading hours | Sunday 6:00 p.m. ET to Friday 5:00 p.m. ET |
A common approach for new day traders is to start with a goal of $200 per day and work up to $800-$1000 over time. Small winners are better than home runs because it forces you to stay on your plan and use discipline. Sure, you'll hit a big winner every now and then, but consistency is the real key to day trading.
With a $10,000 account, a good day might bring in a five percent gain, which is $500. However, day traders also need to consider fixed costs such as commissions charged by brokers. These commissions can eat into profits, and day traders need to earn enough to overcome these fees [2].
This can be a risky form of trading, but it also has the potential to generate large profits. If you are starting with a small amount of capital, such as $10 to $100, it is still possible to make money on futures trading.
By focusing on a single market, you can get up to speed quicker. Trading futures for a living is a compelling idea — but to do it successfully, you'll need sufficient startup capital and a well-designed trading plan.
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