What are E-mini S&P 500 futures?

E-mini S&P 500 futures are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and allow traders to gain exposure to the S&P 500 index, a widely recognized barometer of the U.S. stock market. Representing one-fifth of the standard S&P 500 futures contract, E-mini S&P 500 futures make futures trading more accessible to more traders, and have been a success ever since their introduction in 1997. More recently, Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures have been introduced. Though there are now several E-mini contracts available across a variety of indexes, E-mini S&P 500 futures still account for the vast majority of all U.S. stock index futures trading.

Start trading E-mini S&P 500 futures for just $2.25 per contract pricing.

Open an Account

How to trade E-mini S&P 500 futures

E-mini S&P 500 futures represent one-fifth of the standard S&P 500 futures contract. E-mini S&P 500 futures trade electronically nearly 24 hours per day on the CME Globex® trading platform, on a quarterly cycle.

E-mini S&P 500 futures contract specifications

Considering trading E-mini S&P 500 futures? Here are the E-mini S&P 500 futures contract specifications.

E-mini S&P 500 futures contract specifications.
Exchange Chicago Mercantile Exchange, ES
Contract Size $50 x the S&P 500 Index (Micro E-mini S&P 500 contracts also available)  
Minimum Tick Size and Value 0.25, worth $12.50 per contract.
Trading Times E-mini S&P 500 futures trade 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.
Principal Trading Months E-mini S&P 500 futures trade on a quarterly cycle. Trading months include March, June, September, and December.

With a Schwab futures account, you also get access to advanced trading platforms and education, where you can take advantage of actionable research, real-time E-Mini S&P 500 futures quotes, and other specialized tools.

Why trade E-mini S&P 500 futures?

  • Futures trading at Schwab

    Learn More

    Take advantage of $2.25 per contract pricing plus specialized tools, research, and support.

  • Ready to start trading E-mini S&P 500 futures with Schwab?

    Open an Account

    Already a Schwab client? Log in

About CME E-mini S&P 500 futures

Just getting started with futures? Learn more about futures and the unique advantages of futures trading.

Questions on E-mini S&P 500 futures? We're here to help.