E-mini S&P 500 index futures are powerful contracts designed for the
individual investor. They are one-fifth the size of the S&P 500 index
(Standard & Poor's 500 Index) and have become the one of most popular
trading tools among professional and individual investors.
The E-mini S&P 500 index futures contract was introduced at the CME (Chicago
Mercantile Exchange) in 1997; currently, it is the most liquid stock index
futures contract available. The contracts can be traded 24 hours a day.
The value of an E-mini S&P 500 futures contract is determined by applying a
$50 multiplier to the current index futures level:
The value of one E-mini S&P 500 futures contract = Index value x $50
For instance, if the S&P 500 futures index level is at 1300, multiply that
number by $50. Because 1300 x $50 = $65,000, one E-mini S&P 500 futures
contract at 1300 index points is valued at $65,000.