The Emini S&P (ES) futures started to trade in 1997 and has now grown to be the most popularly traded stock index futures in the US and averages over two million trades per day which is a value of about 280 billion Dollars. It is obviously based on the S&P 500 stock index that most everyone is familiar with and trades completely electronically on the CME’s Globex exchange. It trades 22.75 hours a day and provides great liquidity and price movement for futures daytraders. Since it can be highly volatile and you can trade it with a great amount of leverage it is not suitable for all investors, so please make sure it is right for you. Sign up for our free Emini S&P Futures Course to receive education on this great futures product.
Symbol | ES |
Contract Size | $50 x E-mini S&P 500 futures price |
Tick Size | 0.25 index points = $12.50 |
Exchange | CME Globex |
Contract Months | Mar (H), Jun (M), Sep (U), Dec (Z) |
Hours (CST) | 5:00p-4:00p (Daily maintenance shutdown 3:15p-3:30p) Opens Sunday at 5:00p |
Margin | $500 Daytrade, $6,600 Position Trade |
CME Exchange Links:

*Low margins are a double edged sword, as lower margins mean you have higher leverage and therefore higher risk. All commissions quoted are not inclusive of any fees, unless otherwise noted. Apex does not charge for futures data, the CME charges $2-12 per month depending on the type of data you require.
ApexFutures, 311 South Wacker Drive Chicago, Suite 2280, Illinois 60606