E-mini S&P Futures

E-mini S&P Futures Markets

The E-mini S&P 500 futures are a popular choice among traders due to their affordability and accessibility compared to standard futures contracts. Traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) through its Globex electronic trading platform, these contracts provide a way for traders to gain exposure to the S&P 500 index, which tracks 500 of the largest companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. This futures contract allows traders to speculate on the future value of the index without the need for a large upfront capital commitment typical of larger futures contracts.

E-mini S&P Contract Specs

Contract Symbol	Contract Units	Price Quotation	Trading Exchange	Trading Hours	Tick Value
ES	$50 X S&P 500 Index	U.S. dollars and cents per index point	CME GLOBEX	17:00 – 16:00	0.25 index points = $12.50

E-mini S&P Futures History

The E-mini S&P 500 futures were introduced by the CME in 1997. The launch of these futures contracts made it feasible for individual investors and traders to participate in index futures trading, which was previously dominated by larger institutional investors due to the high value of standard contracts. The E-mini S&P 500 futures have since become one of the most traded index futures in the world, reflecting the widespread interest and participation in capturing the performance of the U.S. large-cap market​.

E-mini S&P Futures Facts

Each E-mini S&P 500 contract is valued at $50 times the S&P 500 index. This size makes it an accessible option for individual investors looking to leverage the movements of the broader U.S. stock market without the larger financial commitment required by full-sized contracts. The liquidity and lower margin requirements of the E-mini contracts enhance their appeal, allowing for more flexible and frequent adjustments to trading positions​.

Trading E-mini S&P Jones Futures

E-mini S&P 500 futures contracts are known for their liquidity and can be traded almost 24 hours a day, providing traders with the ability to respond quickly to market changes or news events that may affect the stock market. The contracts are cash-settled, meaning no physical delivery of assets is required. This feature, along with the ability to trade long or short, makes E-mini S&P 500 futures a versatile tool for speculative trading and hedging against market movements. The contracts also offer a way to manage exposure and hedge risks associated with portfolio volatility​