Trade Micro Futures Contracts

What are Micro futures contracts?

Micro futures contracts are scaled-down versions of standard Emini and other full-size futures contracts, generally 1/10th the size, offering a low-cost entry into futures markets. These smaller contracts serve as an easy step into futures trading for all account sizes, providing futures traders a more accessible way to participate in the markets.

Trade markets at a fraction of the cost with Micro futures

Micro Bitcoin futures

At 1/10th the size of one Bitcoin, Micro Bitcoin futures (MBT) provide an entry point to the Bitcoin marketplace with reduced financial commitment. 

You can also trade Nano Bitcoin futures (BIT), which are priced at just 1/100th of one Bitcoin.

Micro crude oil Futures

At 1/10th the size of standard crude oil contracts, Micro crude oil futures (MCL) allow traders to control a larger contract value in the popular, highly liquid crude oil marketplace with only $100 margins.

Micro natural gas futures

At 1/10th the size of standard natural gas contracts, Micro natural gas futures (MNG) represent just 1,000 MMBtu, allowing traders to speculate on natural gas price movements with significantly lower capital requirements.

Micro E-mini futures

At 1/10th the size of standard E-minis, Micro E-mini futures allow traders to access the highly liquid equity index futures markets with reduced costs, including only $50 margins. 

You can trade: 

  • Micro E-mini Dow index futures (MYM) 
  • Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100 Index futures (MNQ) 
  • Micro E-mini Russell 2000 Index futures (M2K) 
  • Micro E-mini S&P 500 Index futures (MES)

Micro Currency Futures

At 1/10th the size of standard forex futures, Micro currency futures offer traders lower cost exposure to key global economies with flexibility and cost-efficiency. 

You can trade Micro currency futures for three key currency pairs on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME): 

  • USD/AUD (Aussie): symbol = M6A 
  • USD/EUR (euro): symbol = M6E 
  • USD/GBP (pound): symbol = M6B

What are the advantages of trading Micro futures?

Micro futures contracts appeal to a broad range of traders, particularly those just starting out, those with smaller dollar accounts, or even experienced traders who want to fine-tune control over their positions. Micros enable futures traders to take advantage of market volatility and capitalize on price fluctuations while facing fewer financial barriers, offering:

  • More flexible position sizing 
  • Better risk management 
  • Lower cost of entry 

The smaller contract size makes Micros ideal for learning, testing strategies, and practicing discipline and risk management without exposing significant capital.

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Global futures markets at your fingertips

Futures trading encompasses a wide range of globally traded products that allow traders at all levels to speculate on the price of these dynamic markets. There are many diverse futures markets to explore, including:

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frequently asked questions

Yes. Micro futures generally follow the same trading hours, expiration dates, and settlement methods as their standard counterparts. Most are cash-settled, making them possibly easier to manage for retail traders.
Micro futures require significantly less margin compared to their full-size equivalents. While the capital required is smaller, leverage still applies, so both gains and losses can be amplified.
Micro futures are smaller, more affordable versions of standard futures—typically 1/10th the size—allowing traders to access the same markets with lower capital requirements and reduced risk.
  • Lower entry costs and margin requirements
  • Greater flexibility in position sizing
  • More precise risk management
  • Ideal for learning, testing strategies, or fine-tuning trade exposure
Despite lower costs, Micro futures still carry risk. Market volatility and leverage can cause significant losses as well as gains. Traders should understand margin requirements, rollover processes, and risk management strategies before trading.
Traders can access a wide range of Micro futures, including:
  • Micro E-mini equity index futures (S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Dow, Russell 2000)
  • Micro Bitcoin and Nano Bitcoin futures Micro currency futures (USD/AUD, USD/EUR, USD/GBP)
  • Micro crude oil (MCL) and Micro natural gas (MNG) futures Select agricultural
  • Micro contracts like corn, wheat, and soybeans.

Frequently Asked Questions about Micro Futures Contracts