Trade S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures around the clock
Trading ETFs or options on ETFs? Explore the opportunities that futures offer.
Trade more with less
Futures margin requires less capital than similar ETF products, so you can take a larger position in the Equity market.
Tradable around the clock
Futures are tradable 23 hours a day, so you can go short or long when events impact prices.
60/40 tax treatment*
Take advantage of unique tax advantages when trading futures over ETFs, including Section 1256 treatment.
Fewer trading restrictions
Futures are not subject to pattern day trading regulations as with ETFs, stocks or stock options.
Understand the basics
Get to know the key details of these benchmark Equity Index contracts.
Control larger positions with more efficient use of capital
Unlike other financial products, CME Group Equity Index futures offer unique capital efficiency, meaning you can control larger positions with less capital. Traders typically need 5% – 10% of the total notional value to hold a futures position, vs. holding an ETF, which can cost anywhere between 50% – 100% of the notional.
Trading futures
If the S&P 500 is at $5,000 and a trader is bullish, they can purchase a Micro E-mini S&P 500 contract with roughly $1,200 of margin. This $25,000 position represents a notional value 5 times greater than the index price and roughly 20 times greater than the margin requirement.
CAPITAL REQUIRED
$1,200
NOTIONAL VALUE
$25,000
EFFICIENCY RATIO
~20:1
Trading ETFs
Trading a similar position with ETFs involves purchasing 50 shares of an S&P 500 ETF, which can be purchased using Reg T margin for ½ the capital ($12,500) and opting for a broker loan of $12,500 for the remainder. As with any loan, there are lending costs, as well.
CAPITAL REQUIRED
$12,500
NOTIONAL VALUE
$25,000
Efficiency RATIO
2:1
Figures are for informational purposes only
Where to trade S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures
CME Group futures contracts are traded through registered futures brokers. If you do not see your existing broker below, use the link below to view the full list.
Please note: Listed brokers are highlighted based on their U.S. volume for the products highlighted on this page as of Aug 13, 2024. View our full list of registered futures brokers.
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FAQ
Courses and learning
Learn more about trading Equity Index futures with these lessons from CME Institute.
