E-mini NASDAQ-100 index futures were launched at the CME (Chicago Mercantile
Exchange) in 1999; one contract is one-fifth of the size of its larger
counterpart. These affordable e-mini contracts were designed to track the
NASDAQ-100 Index. The NASDAQ 100 reflects companies across major industry
groups, including computer hardware and software, telecommunications,
retail/wholesale trade, and biotechnology.
E-mini NASDAQ-100 index futures are offered as a smaller version of the
NASDAQ-100 futures contract and are thus more affordable. These e-mini
futures contracts are highly popular among individual and professional
investors. They have become the most liquid stock index futures contract
available after the e-mini S&P 500 futures contract.
The value of an E-mini NASDAQ-100 futures contract is calculated by applying
a $20 multiplier to the index’s present futures level:
The value of one E-mini NASDAQ-100 futures contract = Index value x $20
For instance, if the NASDAQ-100 Index level is currently at 1400, multiply
that number by $20. Because 1400 x $20 = $28,000, one E-mini NASDAQ-100
futures contract at 1400 index points is valued at $28,000.