E-mini Nasdaq Futures

E-mini Nasdaq Futures Markets

The E-mini NASDAQ futures are a popular trading vehicle, reflecting the performance of the NASDAQ 100 Index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial stocks listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. These futures are highly valued for their exposure to major technology and biotech companies, making them a favorite among traders looking to leverage the performance of these sectors.

E-mini Nasdaq Contract Specs

Contract Symbol	Contract Units	Price Quotation	Trading Exchange	Trading Hours	Tick Value
NQ	$20 X Nasdaq-100 Index	U.S. dollars and cents per index point	CME GLOBEX	17:00 – 16:00	0.25 index points =$5.00

E-mini Nasdaq Futures History

NASDAQ 100 futures trading began in 1996, and the E-mini NASDAQ 100 was introduced in 1999 to allow a broader market participation due to its smaller contract size. These futures are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and have evolved to become one of the most heavily traded index futures, reflecting the growth and importance of the technology sector in the global economy​.

E-mini Nasdaq Futures Facts

E-mini NASDAQ 100 futures are crucial for traders as they allow speculation on the direction of the tech-heavy NASDAQ 100 index with a smaller capital outlay. These contracts are known for their liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads, which make them an attractive option for both day trading and longer-term speculative endeavors​.

Trading E-mini Nasdaq Futures

The E-mini NASDAQ 100 futures contracts are traded almost 24 hours a day on the CME Globex electronic trading platform and are cash-settled, eliminating the need for physical delivery. These futures follow a quarterly cycle with contract months in March, June, September, and December. The index’s movements are particularly sensitive to tech industry developments and broader economic indicators, making it a dynamic instrument for traders​.