If you're new to futures trading, you've probably come across the terms NQ and MNQ. These are two of the most actively traded futures contracts in the world — and for good reason.
What Are NQ Futures?
NQ refers to the E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures contract, traded on the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange). It tracks the Nasdaq-100 index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange — think Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon.
Each NQ contract has a point value of $20 per point. So if the Nasdaq-100 moves 10 points, a single NQ contract gains or loses $200.
What About MNQ?
MNQ stands for Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures. It's exactly like NQ, but 1/10th the size — $2 per point instead of $20. Not sure which contract is right for you? Read our detailed NQ vs MNQ comparison.
MNQ is perfect for:
- New traders learning to read price action
- Small accounts that need tighter risk management
- Scalpers who want to trade with precision without massive exposure
Why Traders Love Nasdaq Futures
There are several reasons NQ and MNQ are favorites among day traders:
- High liquidity — tight spreads and fast fills, even during volatile sessions
- Extended hours — trade nearly 24 hours a day, Sunday through Friday
- Leverage — control a large notional value with a relatively small margin
- Volatility — the Nasdaq-100 tends to make large intraday moves, creating opportunities for scalpers
- No PDT rule — unlike stocks, futures traders aren't subject to the Pattern Day Trader restriction
How Futures Buddy Helps
Futures Buddy was built specifically for NQ and MNQ traders. The platform gives you:
- Real-time scalp setup detection — spot high-probability entries as they form
- Market confluence analysis — see when multiple indicators align for stronger signals
- 12+ professional indicators — including VWAP, delta, cumulative volume, and more
- 24/7 market coverage — never miss a setup, even in overnight sessions
Whether you're scalping for quick 5-point moves or holding for larger trends, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Ready to level up your futures trading?
Join Futures Buddy and get real-time NQ/MNQ analysis, scalp setup detection, and 12+ professional indicators.
Start Your 3-Day Free TrialGetting Started
If you're ready to start trading NQ or MNQ futures, here's a quick checklist:
- Open a futures account with a broker that supports CME products (NinjaTrader, AMP, Tradovate, etc.)
- Fund your account — most brokers require $400–$1,000 minimum for micro contracts
- Practice on a simulator — get comfortable with order flow and price action before risking real capital
- Set up your tools — a solid analytics platform like Futures Buddy can help you identify setups faster
The best traders aren't the ones who trade the most. They're the ones who wait for the best setups and execute with discipline.
Key Takeaways
- NQ = E-mini Nasdaq-100 ($20/point), MNQ = Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 ($2/point)
- Nasdaq futures offer high liquidity, extended hours, and no PDT restrictions
- The Nasdaq-100's volatility creates excellent scalping and day trading opportunities
- Tools like Futures Buddy help you spot setups in real time with institutional-grade analytics
Happy trading!