Futures trading has long been associated with large institutions, high capital requirements, and steep learning curves. For many retail traders, it felt like a closed-off arena. But the introduction of CME Group’s Micro Futures Contracts has changed that narrative. By lowering barriers to entry and giving traders greater control, micro futures are opening new doors for retail traders looking to participate in global markets.
Micro contracts are simply smaller-sized versions of standard futures contracts. They represent one-tenth (or less) of the notional value of their larger counterparts:
Micro E-mini S&P 500 → 1/10th of the standard E-mini.
Micro Gold Futures → 1/10th the size of standard gold futures.
Micro WTI Crude Oil → 1/10th the size of standard crude oil futures.
With micros, traders gain exposure to the same underlying markets as institutions, but with less capital required and smaller potential dollar swings. This makes them particularly attractive to individual traders seeking flexibility without overextending their accounts.
Traditional futures contracts can require margin deposits in the tens of thousands of dollars. For many individuals, that’s simply too high a hurdle. Micro contracts reduce this barrier significantly, often to just a few hundred dollars.
For example, a standard E-mini S&P 500 futures contract may require over $12,000 in margin. The Micro E-mini S&P 500 requires roughly one-tenth of that. This makes it possible to participate in one of the world’s most liquid markets without tying up all your trading capital.
For those coming from stocks or forex, this accessibility feels familiar. Just as forex offers smaller lot sizes and stocks can be traded in fractional shares, micros let you trade futures at a scale that suits your account.
With standard contracts, traders often face an “all-or-nothing” decision. Micro Futures contracts eliminate that problem by giving you the ability to fine-tune position sizes.
This flexibility has made micro contracts an essential tool for traders seeking control without sacrificing opportunity.
Risk is part of every trade. But the size of that risk matters. By reducing the notional size, micro contracts limit the potential dollar gain or loss for a given market move.
Example: If the S&P 500 rises 10 points:
For new traders, that difference is huge. It allows you to test strategies, learn the mechanics of futures, and stay engaged in the market without exposing your account to dramatic swings.
Micro contracts are about more than just lower costs. They represent a shift toward democratization of futures markets. For years, many individual traders were sidelined, watching institutional players dominate. Now, micros allow retail traders to:
✅ Access global markets with modest capital.
✅ Diversify strategies across indices, energy, and metals.
✅ Learn futures trading without oversized risk.
✅ Compete in the same markets as institutions—but on terms that fit their accounts.
Stocks: With micros, you can trade entire indices like the S&P 500 without having to purchase dozens of individual shares or rely on ETFs.
Forex: Similar to micro and mini lots in forex, micros offer scalable trade sizes. Unlike forex, though, futures are exchange-traded with centralized pricing and full transparency.
For traders familiar with either asset class, micros strike a balance: the accessibility of forex combined with the transparency and liquidity of regulated futures markets.
With strong adoption and growing liquidity, micro contracts have already become a mainstay in retail trading. CME Group continues to expand its product offerings, giving traders more ways to engage global markets at a scale that works for them.
For retail traders, this means more choice, more flexibility, and more opportunities than ever before.
Micro contracts have redefined the futures trading landscape. They lower barriers, provide flexibility, and help traders manage risk more effectively. For new traders especially, they offer a practical way to gain experience in global markets while protecting capital.
Ready to explore what micros can do for your trading? Try Micro Contracts risk-free with a free demo of the StoneX Futures trading platform. Gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and take your next step into the futures markets—on your terms.