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1. Micro E-mini Futures Trading
Strategies

2. What are Micro E-mini futures?
In May 2019, CME Group launched the new Micro E-mini futures contracts.
The Micro E-minis include:
S&P 500 = MES
NASDAQ-100 = MNQ
Russell 2000 = M2K
Dow Jones Industrial Average = MYM

4. What’s so great about Micro E-mini futures?
More people can now day trade because of greater affordability (i.e. lower cost and margins).
Micro futures are less expensive to trade than regular futures. In fact, they are 1/10th the size of
their respective "regular-sized" counterparts (i.e. ES, NT, RTY, and YM). For example, a regular E-
mini futures contract (ES) is worth $50 USD * the agreed upon E-mini futures price. In
comparison, the MES is only $5 USD * the agreed Micro E-mini futures price. These "multiplier"
values vary among the markets.

6. Like the regular ES, each MES tick equals 0.25. In other words, the smallest price can move up or
down at any time is by 0.25. Therefore, the price axis in a ES and MES day trading chart is
composed of 0.25 tick increments. However, there is a difference between the MES and the
regular ES. Do you remember the 1/10th scale mentioned previously? Here is where it comes
into play. A one-tick MES move equals $1.25 (each E-mini tick is worth $12.50, in comparison).
By common definition, four ticks equals one point. This is true for the ES, MES and similar
markets. Therefore, each MES point equals $5 ($1.25 * 4 = $5). Likewise, $5 (one MES point) *
10 (recall the 1/10th Mini scale) = $50 (one ES point).
Like their larger siblings, the Micros trade Sunday through Friday and use a quarterly (March,
June, September, December) expiration schedule. Remember to roll over your Micro futures
contracts just like regular futures!

7. Tick and point values for other Micros:
Like their larger siblings, the Micros trade Sunday through Friday and use a quarterly (March,
June, September, December) expiration schedule. Remember to roll over your Micro futures
contracts just like regular futures!

8. So, what can you do with Micro E-mini futures?
Control a greater number of contracts with reduced cost. Perhaps you could only afford to trade
with one or two ES contracts before. Now, you may be able to diversify by trading multiple Micro
contracts for the same cost as one ES contract.
With more positions, you could exit at different targets. Considering "trailing a stop" and
consider staying in winning trades longer.
Remember, trading stocks often requires wealth: a $25,000 account size. Regular E-mini brokers
often required $3,000 or more. Micro E-mini futures accounts may require as little as $400.

9. How do you trade the new Micro markets? To open an MES chart in NinjaTrader 8:
Go to the NinjaTrader Control Center > New (menu button at the top of the Control Center window) > Chart.
In the upper-left next to Instrument, click the magnifying glass icon. Type in MES to search for the Micro E-
min S&P 500 Futures. MES should be listed. Select the row containing the MES. Click OK.
Adjust the chart settings as needed and click OK. Typically, we use a 5-min chart with no more than 30 days
of data (set via "days to load").
An MES chart should appear containing candles/data. Continue to customize the chart as desired, i.e. add
indicators, etc.
Yes, the free NinjaTrader Continuum (CQG) data feed supports these Micro markets. If you need assistance
getting live Micro E-mini data, visit the Simulator page.
After opening a chart, compare the activity with the non-Micro chart. The price action seen on the MES is
identical to the ES.
It would be wise to check in with your broker regarding any additional fees or costs associated with Micro
trading.
We hope you have a fun and prosperous experience!

10. Our trading courses and software with Micro E-minis...
Yes, our trading methods work with these Micro markets! No
additional indicator configuration or downloads are required. See all of
our courses and software.