Micro Futures Guide
Trade futures with 1/10th the risk - perfect for beginners and small accounts looking to learn the markets
What Are Micro Futures?
Micro futures are smaller versions of standard futures contracts, introduced by the CME Group in 2019 to make futures trading more accessible. These contracts are exactly 1/10th the size of their E-mini counterparts, allowing traders to participate in futures markets with significantly less capital and risk.
The most popular micro futures contracts are MES (Micro E-mini S&P 500) and MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100), which track the same indices as ES and NQ but with smaller contract sizes. This makes them ideal for beginners learning to trade, small account traders, and experienced traders who want precise position sizing.
Popular Micro Futures Contracts
| Contract | Name | Point Value | Tick Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| MES | Micro E-mini S&P 500 | $5.00 | $1.25 |
| MNQ | Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 | $2.00 | $0.50 |
| MYM | Micro E-mini Dow | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| M2K | Micro E-mini Russell 2000 | $5.00 | $0.50 |
| MGC | Micro Gold | $10.00 | $1.00 |
| MCL | Micro Crude Oil | $100.00 | $1.00 |
Micro vs E-mini: Size Comparison
| Specification | MES (Micro) | ES (E-mini) |
|---|---|---|
| Point Value | $5 | $50 |
| Tick Value | $1.25 | $12.50 |
| Day Trade Margin (Broker) | $50-100 | $500+ |
| CME Maintenance Margin | ~$1,518 | ~$15,180 |
| 10-Point Move | $50 | $500 |
Understanding Margin Requirements
Day-trade margins ($50-100 for MES) are set by brokers for positions closed before the session ends. CME maintenance margins (~$1,518 for MES, ~$2,057 for MNQ) are required for overnight positions.
Margins change frequently based on market volatility. Always verify current requirements with your broker.
10 MES contracts equal 1 ES contract - allowing for precise position sizing and gradual scaling.
Why Trade Micro Futures?
Lower Capital Requirements
Start trading futures with $1,000-2,500 instead of $10,000+. Perfect for building your trading career.
Reduced Risk Per Trade
A 10-point adverse move costs $50 in MES vs $500 in ES. Learn without devastating losses.
Precise Position Sizing
Scale in/out of positions in smaller increments. Build positions exactly how you want.
Same Markets, Same Charts
MES and ES move identically. Your analysis transfers directly when you scale up.
Full Tax Benefits
Micro futures qualify for the same 60/40 tax treatment as standard futures contracts.
Real Market Experience
Unlike paper trading, you experience real emotions with real money at stake.
Getting Started with Micro Futures
Choose a Futures Broker
Select a broker that offers competitive micro futures commissions. Popular choices include NinjaTrader, Tradovate, AMP Futures, and TradeStation. Look for round-trip commissions under $1 per micro contract.
Fund Your Account
While you can technically start with a few hundred dollars, we recommend $2,000-5,000 minimum. This allows you to trade multiple contracts while maintaining proper risk management and surviving normal drawdowns.
Start with One Contract
Begin trading a single MES or MNQ contract. Focus on learning price action, order flow, and your own psychology before increasing size. One contract keeps losses manageable while you develop consistency.
Scale Gradually
Once consistently profitable with 1 contract, add another. Many traders use the rule: only increase size after 20+ consecutive profitable days at the current level.
Micro Futures Trading Strategies
Scalping MES/MNQ
Target 4-8 ticks ($5-10 per MES contract) multiple times per day. The low tick value makes scalping viable even with small accounts. Focus on high-volume periods around market open.
Swing Trading with Micros
Hold positions for hours or days, targeting larger moves (20-50 points). Micros allow you to use wider stops without excessive dollar risk, improving your odds of catching bigger moves.
Portfolio Hedging
Use micro futures to hedge stock or ETF positions. For example, short 2-3 MES contracts to hedge a small stock portfolio during uncertain periods.
Risk Management for Micro Futures
Even with smaller contracts, risk management remains crucial:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are micro futures?
Micro futures are smaller versions of standard futures contracts, typically 1/10th the size of E-mini contracts. They allow traders to access futures markets with less capital and lower risk per contract.
How much is one MES point worth?
One MES (Micro E-mini S&P 500) point is worth $5, compared to $50 for the standard ES contract. Each tick (0.25 points) is worth $1.25.
How much money do you need to trade micro futures?
Day trading margins for micro futures range from $50-$100 per contract with most brokers. CME maintenance margins for overnight positions are ~$1,518 for MES and ~$2,057 for MNQ. Many traders start with $1,000-$2,500, allowing them to trade multiple contracts while maintaining proper risk management.
Are micro futures good for beginners?
Yes, micro futures are excellent for beginners. The smaller contract size means lower dollar risk per trade, allowing new traders to learn market dynamics without risking significant capital.
Continue Learning
Margin & Commission Disclaimer
Margin requirements and commissions change frequently. Verify current rates with your broker.
Risk Disclosure: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Last updated: December 2025