What are E-mini Nasdaq futures?

E-mini Nasdaq futures as well as micro-E-mini Nasdaq futures have been designed by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) to track the Nasdaq 100 Index, a modified capitalization-weighted index of 100 of the largest and most active non-financial, domestic stocks traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Nasdaq 100 is widely considered to be a key benchmark of technology, telecom, and biotechnology issues. E-mini Nasdaq futures represent $20 times the Nasdaq 100 stock index, and allow you to participate in Nasdaq market moves without having to select individual issues. 

Start trading E-mini Nasdaq futures for just $2.25 per contract pricing.

How to trade E-mini Nasdaq futures

E-mini Nasdaq futures trade nearly 24 hours per day on the CME Globex® trading platform, from 6:00 p.m. U.S. ET all the way until 5:00 p.m. U.S. ET the following afternoon.

E-mini Nasdaq futures contract specifications

Considering trading E-mini Nasdaq futures? Here are the E-mini Nasdaq futures contract specifications.

E-mini Nasdaq futures contract specifications
Exchange Chicago Mercantile Exchange, NQ
Contract Size $20 x the Nasdaq 100 (Micro E-mini Nasdaq contracts also available)
Minimum Tick Size and Value 0.25, worth $5.00 per contract.
Trading Times E-mini Nasdaq futures trade on the CME Globex® trading platform, from 6:00 p.m. U.S. ET until 5:00 p.m. U.S. ET the following afternoon.
Principal Trading Months E-mini Nasdaq futures trading months include March, June, September, and December.

At Schwab, you also get access to advanced trading platforms and education, where you can take advantage of market research, real-time E-mini Nasdaq futures quotes, and other specialized tools.

E-mini Nasdaq FAQ

E-mini Nasdaq futures provide investors and traders with an efficient way to gain speculative exposure to the popular Nasdaq 100 index, or they may be used to hedge stock portfolios against overall market risk. E-mini Nasdaq futures may also be spread against other popular stock index futures, like Dow futures.

It is important to understand the benefits and risks involved with E-mini Nasdaq futures before placing a futures trade. Compared to traditional investments, with E-mini Nasdaq futures you can trade nearly 24 hours a day during the trading week and take advantage of trading opportunities regardless of market direction. E-mini Nasdaq futures also provide the ability to trade with greater leverage and allow a more efficient use of trading capital. However, trading leveraged products like E-mini Nasdaq futures also involves the risk that losses can exceed the amount originally invested and may not be suitable for all investors.

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