E-mini Russell Futures

E-mini Russell Futures Markets

The E-mini Russell 2000 Index futures provide traders with the ability to speculate and take positions on the performance of the Russell 2000 Index, which represents 2000 small-cap U.S. stocks. This index is considered a barometer for the U.S. small-cap market, making the E-mini Russell 2000 a significant instrument for gaining exposure to the U.S. domestic market’s smaller company sector. These futures are traded on the CME and offer various savings and product options, including margin offsets and a range of contract types.

E-mini Russell Contract Specs

Contract Symbol	Contract Units	Price Quotation	Trading Exchange	Trading Hours	Tick Value
RTY	$50 X Russell 2000 Index	U.S. dollars and cents per index point	CME GLOBEX	17:00 – 16:00	0.10 index points =$5.00

E-mini Russell Futures History

The Russell 2000 Index began in 1984, created by the Frank Russell Company. The introduction of E-mini Russell 2000 futures by the CME in 2017 provided traders with newer avenues for accessing U.S. small-cap equities through futures markets, expanding the financial instruments tied to this index​.

E-mini Russell Futures Facts

The E-mini Russell 2000 futures contracts are diverse, offering traders several different contracts to choose from, including normal index contracts and weekly options. This variety caters to different trading needs and strategies, enhancing access to the small-cap market. The index itself undergoes an annual reconstitution to ensure it accurately reflects the current market environment, impacting over $9 trillion in investor assets.

Trading E-mini Russell Futures

Trading the E-mini Russell 2000 allows for high leverage with a relatively low initial margin requirement, making it an attractive option for traders looking to capitalize on the U.S. small-cap market. These futures contracts are settled quarterly, aligning with the financial calendar’s March, June, September, and December cycles. The E-mini Russell 2000 trades from Sunday to Friday, providing ample opportunity for market participants to engage with the index. The ability to trade such contracts with CME’s central limit order book and other methods ensures flexibility and depth in trading strategies​.