Do you need to learn more about E-Mini trading? Thanks to the Internet, you can learn a lot about how these contracts work without having to spend a lot of money. For example, you can participate in online communities, such as blogs or user groups, to learn what other traders are doing.

Making the most of E-Mini contracts involves going beyond reading books. You’ll need to seek out other methods of gaining information in this market. Consider doing the following if you plan on making the most of E-Mini contracts:

1. Learn about online training courses that tell how E-Mini contracts work.

2. Use indices to track and trade E-Mini contracts.

3. Gain more knowledge about E-Minis by using E-Mini trading platforms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get additional training regarding the workings of E-Mini contracts

You have read books and magazines on how to trade E-Minis. While you have gained much knowledge in this area, it's not enough. Why not consider taking courses on trading E-Mini contracts? These courses will not only teach you the fundamentals of trading E-Minis, but you will learn how to use the most current E-Mini trading systems, such as Globex. E-Mini contracts trading classes can expose you to how others are developing their E-Mini trading systems.

I recommend: Online Trading Academy offers courses on E-Mini trading; learn from the professionals how to trade E-Mini contracts. In addition, theTradingAuthority offers classes on E-Mini futures contracts. Besides teaching E-Mini trading basics, this company focuses on psychological and discipline management, which are strong traits you must develop to be successful in E-Mini contracts.

Follow and trade the E-Mini contracts using indices

To be like the professional traders, you must follow the indices, such as the E-Mini MSCI EAFE and E-Mini S&P Asia 50 indices. E-Mini traders, especially money managers, use indices to gauge how certain market segments are performing. In addition, indices are not only great ways for asset allocation and managing risks, but they help traders to decide when and what to trade.

I recommend: E-Mini MSCI EAFE Index is one of the indices you will want to follow. This index, a part of the CME (Chicago Mercantile Group), gives good information such as E-Mini contract quotes, volume, and settlements. Options Xpress not only provides E-Mini trading services, but you can learn about the CME E-Mini Russell 2000 Index which tracks the performance of the 2000 smallest companies.

Learn about E-Mini trading platforms

This is another area to study to be a successful trader. Trading platforms provide direct order routing access to E-Mini contracts markets. In addition, you'll have access to real-time streaming price quotes and charts. Many trading platforms allow you to perform simulated trades so you can see how strong your trading systems would perform in the market.

I recommend: PFG BEST offers great trading platforms. You can perform simulated trading on E-Mini contracts and you’ll have direct order routing access to E-Mini markets, including metals and energy. Neural DT Trading Systems focuses on how to help you profit from the following indices: mini Russell 2000 and E-Mini S&P MidCap 400.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider subscribing to a newsletter that focuses on E-Mini contracts. You can get tips on E-Mini trading systems and also learn what the professionals are doing in the industry.

Trading E-mini contracts can be profitable and challenging. E-mini contracts futures may be scaled-down versions or microcosms of the index futures, but many individuals trade them every day. You can trade these contracts five days a week and 23.5 hours a day.

Individuals and hedge funds like to trade E-mini contracts because they can use the electronic trading platform, Globex, rather than using the open pit trading system which can cause delays. Trading E-mini contracts are inexpensive compared to trading the S&P futures, which can cost an approximate $23,000-plus margin per contract. To be a successful E-mini trader, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Open an account with an E-mini trading broker.
2. Use E-mini trading systems to create your buy and sell signals.
3. Follow futures indexes as gauges for trading E-mini trading contracts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Open an account with an E-mini trading services brokerage firm

Signing up with an E-mini trading services brokerage firm is not just about trading E-minis; you'll also want to take advantage of its other valuable resources. For example, if you're not ready to put up or risk your hard-earned money, the firm most likely offers simulated trading. That way, you can see how you would've fared if you traded the E-mini contracts. Another area you won't want to overlook is the firm's educational resources, including courses on E-mini trading basics, how to trade E-minis, and general E-mini contracts information.

I recommend: Go Futures specializes in futures. If you open an account with the E-mini trading services brokerage firm, you can trade E-minis futures contracts for a low fee. In addition, you can get live streaming E-mini quotes to help make your E-mini trading a success. PFGBEST.com offers several E-mini trading systems, such as BEST Direct and BEST Direct Pro Trader. Both Go Futures and PFGBEST.com offer simulated trading.

Use E-mini trading systems to set up your buy and sell signals

You need to develop reliable E-mini trading systems so that you can time your buy and sell signals. Because the futures markets can be volatile, you can't afford to be swayed by emotions. Using an E-mini trading software can help you be successful in trading E-minis.

I recommend: Eminitv.tv offers sophisticated E-mini trading systems, depending on your comfort zone and experience. In addition to studying charts on E-mini contracts, AbleSys Corporation explains E-mini trading basics.

Follow futures indexes as gauges for trading E-mini contracts

Since E-mini futures contracts are smaller versions of the big indexes (e.g., the S&P 500, NASDAQ-100 and Dow 30), this is one area you will not want to overlook. Indexes give you a broader picture of what the underlying securities are doing. They can also help you time your buy and sell of E-mini contracts.

I recommend: The NASDAQ-100 index shows all of the listed companies that make up this index. This index contains both domestic and international companies, and consists of various sectors, including biotechnology and telecommunications. The S&P 500 is known as a leading market indicator of the U.S. equities market. It has a long, stable history which dates back to 1923.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that you sign up with CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) to receive updates on CME E-Mini futures contracts. CME is the exchange that carries all of the E-Mini futures contracts.

You can find a lot of e-mini contracts education and training information on the Internet, so don’t feel overwhelmed about learning e-minis. You can attend schools and learn about these securities. However, if you want to save money and time, take advantage of some of the resources online.

Some websites sell books on learning how to trade e-minis. However, you’ll probably want to take advantage of other ways of learning e-mini contracts. For example, you can watch videos and see how traders developed their strategies. For e-mini contracts education and training, do the following:

1. Become familiar with e-mini contracts by taking part in online training.

2. Use DVDs or audio sessions to devise e-mini trading systems.

3. Understand e-mini trading services by attending seminars.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to trade e-minis by participating in online training

Taking an online training course on e-mini contracts can help you become a better trader. Online training does not just cover the difference between equities and e-minis, but you'll learn about the psychology of trading. Understanding market behavior is important. Taking part in online training will show you how to develop strategies so that you'll be successful in trading e-mini contracts.

I recommend: Emini Trading Course offers a course on e-mini contracts trading. You’ll learn about how to earn money in up or down markets. There are other topics you’ll go over, including how much you should start out with, using volatility, or using charting software. Online Trading Academy will also teach you how to trade emini contracts. You will learn about GLOBEX, devising a trading journal, and using technical analysis.

Learn how to develop an e-mini system through DVDs or audio sessions

One advantage to using DVDs or audio sessions is that you can repeat sections that you didn't understand. Since e-mini trading can be tedious and challenging, relying on video or audio can help you in deciding what kind of system you want to develop. You can also watch or listen to commentaries from other traders.

I recommend: Trading Concepts offers four DVDs, in which you will learn about e-mini trading services. Although this trader developed his own trading system, you can see how it compares to other trading methodologies. PureTick also provides visual and audio training. Its training is designed for both novices and experienced traders.

Attend seminars to better understand e-mini trading services

Don't think that seminars are just for networking with other traders in the field. Seminars can be more intensive than courses. In other words, e-mini contracts education and training seminars can be like boot camps. That is, you might learn not only about the basics when it comes to e-minis, but you'll learn about using and changing time frames and charts, trading e-minis.

I recommend: HL Camp provides seminars that are intensive on learning e-mini contracts. You’ll learn about using various chart patterns, such as point and figure, developing daily game plans, as well as setting up your trading office. Chicago Mercantile Exchange also provides seminars on e-mini contracts. Here, you’ll learn about hedging and spreading.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider subscribing to Futures magazine to get current information on e-mini contracts. You can also read commentaries.