Futures trading is one of the most exciting ways to access global markets. Contracts like the E-mini Nasdaq 100 (NQ) y el E-mini S&P 500 (ES) are two of the most liquid products available—making them popular among both professionals and beginners.
But before you jump in, there are a few things every new futures trader must know.
📉 1. Futures Are Highly Leveraged
Each futures contract controls a large amount of value.
- NQ (Nasdaq 100): $20 per point.
- ES (S&P 500): $50 per point.
This means even small moves can equal hundreds—or thousands—of dollars. Without proper risk management, new traders can blow up accounts quickly.
👉 Start with Micro contracts (MNQ, MES) to trade smaller sizes while learning.
🔢 2. Understand Tick Sizes and Value
Each contract has a minimum tick size (the smallest price movement possible):
- NQ: 0.25 point = $5.
- ES: 0.25 point = $12.50.
Those ticks add up fast. A 20-point move in ES = $1,000. Knowing how ticks translate to dollars is critical before entering trades.
💵 3. Margin Requirements
To open a futures position, you need margin (collateral). Brokers have:
- Initial margin: Required to open a trade.
- Maintenance margin: Required to keep it open.
Margins vary by broker and can increase during volatility. Always check margin requirements before trading.
🕰 4. Session Behavior
Futures trade nearly 24 hours (CME Globex), but not all hours are equal:
- U.S. session (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM EST): Most active, highest liquidity.
- Sesión de Londres: Strong volume overlap with the U.S.
- Asia session: Slower, lower volume, often choppy.
Beginners should stick to U.S. hours where spreads are tighter and moves are cleaner.
🧠 5. The Psychology of Live Trading
Paper trading futures is useful, but nothing prepares you for watching your real money swing $500 in seconds. Emotions like fear, greed, and hesitation are amplified in leveraged markets.
👉 The key is to start small, use stop losses, and treat every trade as part of a long game—not a quick win.
✅ Reflexiones finales
Futures like NQ and ES are incredible tools for traders, but they demand respect. Start with micros, learn tick values, understand margin, and trade during liquid sessions. Most importantly, protect your capital—because futures are a marathon, not a sprint.
Trade Futures Smarter With EPIQ
En Parqué EPIQ, we help new traders navigate futures markets with:
- ✅ Perspectivas diarias sobre NQ, ES y los principales contratos de futuros.
- ✅ Risk management tools to size positions correctly
- ✅ Market structure breakdowns for cleaner entries
- ✅ A supportive community to guide you
👉 Empieza tu Prueba gratuita de 3 días and trade futures with confidence.
Descargo de responsabilidad: This content is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Futures are leveraged products and come with high risk.
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