The Russell 2000 (RUT) is a publicly traded equities index that is composed of a diverse cross-section of U.S. small-cap companies. Featuring listings from sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer discretionary, the RUT’s performance hinges on the values of growth-oriented stocks.
Although the Russell 2000 is not as well known as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), S&P 500, or NASDAQ Composite, it remains a major financial index. Accordingly, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) offers multiple “RUT futures” contracts for public trade. Each offers participants direct, customizable exposure to the Russell 2000.
What Are CME Russell 2000 Futures?
Launched in 1993, Russell 2000 futures and options provide active traders a way to engage the U.S. small-cap markets via standardized derivatives. Over the years, the CME has created multiple versions of the contract, including the E-mini Russell 2000 and Micro E-mini Russell 2000. Now, traders of all shapes and sizes can hedge or speculate on U.S. small-cap companies with an efficient, liquid, exchange-traded product.
Let’s take a closer look at the contract specifications for two exceedingly popular contracts, CME E-mini Russell 2000 futures and Micro E-mini Russell 2000 futures:
E-mini Russell 2000 Futures
| Symbol | RTY |
| Availability | CME Globex |
| Size | $50 X Russell 2000 Index |
| Pricing | U.S. dollars and cents per index point |
| Tick Size | 0.10 index points |
| Tick Value | $5.00 per tick |
| Settlement | Financial |
| Expiration | Quarterly (March, June, September, December |
| Trading Hours | Sunday 6 p.m. EST to Friday 5 p.m. EST, daily maintenance from 5 p.m EST to 6 p.m. EST |
Micro E-mini Russell 2000 Futures
| Symbol | M2K |
| Availability | CME Globex |
| Size | $5 X Russell 2000 Index |
| Pricing | U.S. dollars and cents per index point |
| Tick Size | 0.10 index points |
| Tick Value | $0.50 per tick |
| Settlement | Financial |
| Expiration | Quarterly (March, June, September, December) |
| Trading Hours | Sunday 6 p.m EST to Friday 5 p.m. EST, daily maintenance from 5 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST |
Is the E-mini or Micro E-mini Russell 2000 Contract Right for Me?
One of the great things about futures trading is that there is truly a contract for everyone. The CME RUT futures listings are no exception. Each product offers traders and investors a collection of unique attributes:
Margins
Your applied E-mini and Micro E-mini Russell 2000 futures margin can be tailored to complement any account size. To begin with, E-mini Russell 2000 futures have a maintenance margin of $7,150 and an intraday margin of $750. Conversely, the Micro E-mini offering has vastly reduced maintenance of $715 and an intraday $100 margin requirement. Given this parity, just about anyone can jump in and trade Russell 2000 futures live.
Granularity
When trading futures—specifically Russell 2000 contracts—adjusting position sizes up and down is a big part of day-to-day business. At $5.00 and $0.50 per tick, the CME E-mini and Micro E-mini listings give you countless strategic opportunities. The use of multi-bracket orders, trailing stops, and dollar-cost averaging are only a few of the possibilities local to E-mini and Micro E-mini Russell futures.
Getting Started with Russell 2000 Futures
Whether you’re a veteran trader or building your first Russell 2000 mini futures chart, the learning never stops! To reach your full potential, check out our blog. It features expert market analysis, trading strategies, and much, much more.
