Trade NQ & MNQ — The World’s Most Active Nasdaq-100 Index Futures
Access E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ) and Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ) through Optimus - competitive commissions, deep liquidity, and 23-hour access in one account.
Available Contracts
* Day-trade margins subject to change based on volatility. View current rates
Why Optimus
Built for Active Index Futures Traders
Trade both NQ and MNQ from the same account with competitive pricing, platform flexibility, and a support team that understands futures workflows.
* Day-trade margins subject to change based on volatility. View current margin rates.
Trade E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures With Fewer Restrictions
NQ and MNQ offer active traders direct Nasdaq-100 access with flexible sizing, deep liquidity, and broad session coverage.
Trade 23 Hours a Day
Access NQ and MNQ nearly around the clock on CME Globex to react to overnight macro and earnings headlines.
Start Smaller With MNQ
Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 is 1/10th the size of NQ, making it easier to scale entries while trading the same index structure.
No Short-Selling Restrictions
Go long or short with the same ease - no ETF locate, no borrow process, and no uptick rule constraints.
Among the Most Active Index Futures
NQ and MNQ are among the most actively traded index futures contracts globally, with deep order books and tight bid-ask markets.
Contracts
CME E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures Margins
| Contract | Symbol | Contract Size | Min Tick | Tick Value | Settlement | Day Trade Margin |
|---|
On The Platform
Watch Mega-Cap Tech Move the Index in Optimus Flow
Track NQ concentration in real time with integrated charting, watchlists, and depth tools in one workspace.
- Monitor mega-cap weighting shifts that can quickly change NQ momentum.
- Keep chart context, watchlists, and order flow tools aligned in one screen.
- React faster to earnings-driven volatility across the Nasdaq-100 complex.
Platform display for illustration only. Market data, tools, and platform features may vary by setup and subscription.
Featured Contract
Start Smaller with Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ)
One-tenth the size of NQ. Same market, same structure, and a lower capital footprint for sizing and risk control.
Trade MNQ NowRight-Sized Exposure
At $2 × Nasdaq-100 Index, MNQ lets you access the same benchmark with smaller notional swings per point.
Same Market Structure
MNQ trades on the same CME Globex venue and tracks the same Nasdaq-100 index framework as standard NQ.
Capital-Efficient Entry
Day-trade margins from $100 per contract make MNQ practical for scaling entries and testing workflow discipline.
Same 23-Hour Access
Trade nearly around the clock from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, with the standard daily CME maintenance break.
Why Futures
E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures vs. Nasdaq-100 ETFs (QQQ)
For active traders, NQ futures provide structural advantages that ETF-only exposure cannot replicate.
For illustrative purposes only. Futures involve substantial risk of loss. Figures shown use approximate notional exposure comparisons for educational context only (≈29,000 × $20 = ~$580,000 notional per contract). Margins are subject to change. Tax treatment depends on your individual situation; consult a qualified tax advisor.
Market drivers
What Moves E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures Prices?
NQ and MNQ are often the most reactive equity index contracts during growth and earnings cycles.
Fed Policy & Interest Rates
Rate expectations heavily influence higher-duration growth valuations, making NQ especially responsive around FOMC events.
Mega-Cap Earnings
Earnings and guidance from major Nasdaq constituents can quickly reprice index expectations intraday and overnight.
Quarterly Contract Rollover
As volume shifts from expiring contracts into the next cycle, liquidity and intraday behavior can change around rollover windows.
Technology Sector Leadership
Semiconductor and software leadership trends can drive broad index direction as sector concentration shifts.
Macroeconomic Data
CPI, payrolls, and growth data often trigger sharp repricing as traders reset growth and policy assumptions.
Global Risk Sentiment
Overnight risk-on or risk-off flows can lead NQ moves before U.S. cash equity markets open.
Get started
Start Trading E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures in 3 Steps
Opening a futures account with Optimus is fast, straightforward, and supported end-to-end.
Open Your Account
Complete our online application and get support throughout the onboarding process.
Fund & Choose a Platform
Deposit by wire or ACH and select your platform — Optimus Flow, Sierra Chart, TradingView, and more.
Start Trading NQ/MNQ
Trade with real-time futures market access and a support team available as your workflow evolves.
Industry Recognition
Consistently Recognized.
Not A One-Time Result.
Independent industry reviewers continue to recognize Optimus for software, pricing, and trader support.
Open Your AccountBest Futures Trading Software - Benzinga
Recognized for platform performance, support quality, and pricing transparency.*
#2 Futures Broker - BrokerChooser
Independently ranked among top futures brokers across platform quality, costs, and service factors.
Top-Ranked Futures Broker - TradingView
Consistently top-ranked on TradingView, with rankings driven by authentic user feedback instead of editorial opinions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures?
E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures (symbol: NQ) are cash-settled equity index futures traded on CME Globex. Each NQ contract represents $20 times the Nasdaq-100 Index, with a minimum tick of 0.25 index points worth $5.00 per contract. Optimus also provides Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ), one-tenth the size of NQ.
What is the difference between NQ and MNQ futures?
NQ is the standard E-mini Nasdaq-100 contract with a $20 multiplier and $5.00 tick value. MNQ is one-tenth the size with a $2 multiplier and $0.50 tick value. MNQ allows traders to access the same Nasdaq-100 market with smaller position sizing.
What are the margin requirements for NQ futures?
Day-trade margins vary by market conditions. Current reference margins are $1,000 for NQ and $100 for MNQ. Exchange overnight margins are set by CME Group and may change based on volatility.
What hours do E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures trade?
NQ and MNQ futures trade nearly 24 hours a day on CME Globex, from Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET, with a daily maintenance break from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET.
Why do active traders use NQ futures?
Active traders use NQ and MNQ for direct Nasdaq-100 exposure, extended trading hours, and capital-efficient margin in a single futures account.
Can newer traders start with MNQ?
MNQ is commonly used by traders who want smaller notional exposure than full-size NQ. All futures trading involves substantial leverage and risk, so position sizing and risk controls remain essential.
Have more questions?
View our complete FAQ center or reach out to our dedicated support team, we're here to help.
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