E-mini Futures

What are E-mini Futures?

E-mini futures, or more commonly known as e-minis, is a futures contract. The difference is that it is traded electronically, hence the name e-mini.

It is also referred to as e-mini because it is a part or a fraction of the total value of an underlying standard futures contract, hence the name e-“mini.” Hence, when a standard futures contract is broken down into various smaller parts, the fractional values of the total value of a standard futures contract is an e-mini.

What is a Futures (Futures Contract)?

A futures contract, also referred to as futures, is a binding legal financial contract, or an agreement, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price, at a specified, pre-agreed date, in the future, between two parties who don’t necessarily know, or are involved in business with, each other.

The predetermined price agreed upon in the futures contract is known as the “forward price.”

The underlying asset that is being bought or sold under a futures contract is usually a commodity or a financial instrument.

Where are E-minis Predominantly Traded?

E-minis are heavily traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). They are available widely on the following indexes:

• S&P 500
• S&P MidCap 400
• Russell 2000
• NASDAQ 100
• Commodities Index
• Currencies (FX)

E-minis are predominantly traded on the CME where they were first introduced. On September 9, 1997, they were launched because the value of the then-existing S&P 500 contract was too large for small and non-professional investors. To cater to the needs of these smaller traders, the S&P 500 contract was broken down into 1/5th the size, so that the small traders could easily trade it.

E-mini’s became a huge success for non-professional and professional traders because of their accessibility.

Following the success of the S&P e-mini futures contract, CME introduced an e-mini for the NASDAQ 100 Index contract, followed by several other e-minis catering to the small traders’ trading needs.

Importance of E-minis

1. Caters to the smaller traders

E-minis were specifically designed to cater to the smaller traders, as opposed to the large hedgers. It increased participation in the futures trading market by additionally involving many small traders and avoided the problem of the concentration of large futures contracts in the trading hands of a select few large hedgers.

2. Increased market participation and involvement

Since it eliminates the problem of futures trading concentrated to a select few large hedgers, it increases overall market participation and involvement. It helps open up trading opportunities to many small traders.

3. Increased flexibility

E-minis broke down large, rigid futures contracts into smaller fractions, thereby increasing the flexibility in the future contract trading, making the market much more liquid.

4. Electronic trading platform

E-minis are electronically traded, and it brings about a kind of instantaneousness in its trading that is unparalleled. It is much more convenient, so much faster, and saves an incredible amount of time and money.

5. Tight bid/ask margins

E-minis are traded in increasingly higher volumes. Because of the high amount of volume traded in, the bid/ask spread, i.e., the difference between the bid and ask price leaves a bare minimum margin of 1 or a 0.25 index point.

It also serves the central purpose of e-minis, which is to make the futures market more liquid to the small traders and to ensure the elimination of the unfair advantage enjoyed by large traders.

Additional Resources

CFI offers the Capital Markets & Securities Analyst (CMSA)® certification program for those looking to take their careers to the next level. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following resources will be helpful:

• Forward Contract
• How to Invest in the S&P 500 Index
• New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX)
• Stock Market Index
• See all derivatives resources