Nasdaq futures reference

Nasdaq futures glossary,
every symbol explained.

Every Nasdaq-100 futures symbol, contract code, month letter, and platform-specific naming convention — all in one place. Whether you trade NQ, MNQ, NAS100, or QQQ, this is your reference.

NQ
E-mini
MNQ
Micro
NDX
Index
QQQ
ETF
NasdaqSignals app interface showing live NAS100 trading signals
Root symbols

Nasdaq-100 root symbols.

Every Nasdaq-100 trading product starts with a root symbol. The front-month contract appends a month code and year digit — but for signals, analysis, and search, the root symbol is what matters.

Symbol Name Exchange Type Pt Value Tick Tick $
NQ E-mini Nasdaq-100 CME Futures $20 0.25 pts $5.00
MNQ Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 CME Futures $2 0.25 pts $0.50
NDX Nasdaq-100 Index Nasdaq Index N/A 0.01 N/A
NAS100 Nasdaq-100 CFD Broker CFD Varies Varies Varies
US100 Nasdaq-100 CFD (alt) Broker CFD Varies Varies Varies
QQQ Invesco QQQ Trust NASDAQ ETF $1/share $0.01 $0.01
Contract months

CME futures month codes.

CME equity index futures use single-letter month codes. Nasdaq-100 contracts (NQ, MNQ) expire quarterly in March, June, September, and December. A full contract symbol combines root + month + year: NQH6 = NQ March 2026.

H
March
Q1 · Expires 3rd Friday
NQH6
M
June
Q2 · Expires 3rd Friday
NQM6
U
September
Q3 · Expires 3rd Friday
NQU6
Z
December
Q4 · Expires 3rd Friday
NQZ6

How to read a full contract: NQM6 = NQ (E-mini Nasdaq-100) + M (June) + 6 (2026). On some platforms the year is two digits; others use four. Most trading platforms auto-select the front month when you type just NQ.

Platform formats

How each platform displays NQ symbols.

Tradovate
NQM6

Root + month code + 1-digit year. Front-month auto-selected. Type "NQ" and the platform fills the rest.

NinjaTrader
NQ 06-26

Root + space + month-year. Alternatively accepts NQM6 format. Continuous contract: NQ ##-##.

TradingView
CME_MINI:NQ1!

Exchange prefix + root + contract number + ! for continuous. For specific month: CME_MINI:NQM2026.

Thinkorswim (TOS)
/NQ

Forward slash + root for continuous. For specific month: /NQM26. Micro: /MNQ or /MNQM26.

Interactive Brokers
NQ

Root symbol. IB auto-selects the front month. For continuous data use NQ-IND or add @CME suffix.

MetaTrader 4/5
NAS100

CFD brokers use NAS100, US100, or US100. Not the CME symbol — broker-specific naming.

Sierra Chart
NQ-202606-GLB

Root-year-month-exchange. Or NQ-##-CME for continuous contract.

cTrader
US100

CFD platforms typically use US100, US100, or NAS100 depending on the broker.

Get live signals for every Nasdaq symbol on this page.

NQ, MNQ, NDX, QQQ — we publish 4–8 signals per session covering every Nasdaq-100 trading vehicle.

NQ Futures Signals → MNQ Micro Signals → QQQ ETF Signals →
Search variants

Every way traders search for Nasdaq futures.

Traders search for Nasdaq futures signals using dozens of variations. Here is every common naming pattern — these are all covered by our signal pages and glossary.

NQ futures signals High
MNQ signals High
NQH6 signals Medium
NQM6 futures Medium
NQU6 trading signals Low
NQZ6 alerts Low
E-mini Nasdaq signals High
CME NQ futures Medium
NASDAQ futures signals High
NQ day trading signals Medium
NQ scalping alerts Low
MNQ futures for beginners Medium
Common questions

Nasdaq futures FAQ.

What does NQ stand for in futures trading?

NQ is the CME ticker symbol for the E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures contract. It represents a $20 per point contract tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index. The "E-mini" designation means it is an electronically traded, smaller version of the original full-size contract. NQ is one of the most liquid equity index futures in the world.

How do I read a full NQ contract code like NQH6?

NQH6 breaks down as: NQ (E-mini Nasdaq-100) + H (March — the month code) + 6 (2026). So NQH6 = NQ March 2026 contract. CME equity futures expire quarterly: H = March, M = June, U = September, Z = December. Most platforms auto-select the front month when you type just "NQ".

What's the difference between NQ, MNQ, and NAS100?

NQ is the standard E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures at $20 per point on the CME. MNQ is the Micro version at $2 per point — 1/10th the size. NAS100 is the CFD name used by forex brokers. All three track the identical Nasdaq-100 Index. Choose NQ for larger accounts, MNQ for smaller accounts or scaling, and NAS100 for CFD/flexible sizing.

Can I trade Nasdaq futures on Tradovate or NinjaTrader?

Yes — both Tradovate and NinjaTrader support NQ and MNQ futures. Simply type the root symbol (NQ or MNQ) and the platform auto-selects the front-month contract. Both brokers offer low intraday margins and are among the most popular platforms for Nasdaq futures traders.

Do your signals work for all Nasdaq symbols on this page?

Yes — our Nasdaq signals are based on the Nasdaq-100 Index level and work across every vehicle: NQ futures, MNQ micros, NDX options, NAS100 CFDs, and QQQ ETF. The index level is identical — you simply convert to your specific contract size. Each signal includes entry, stop-loss, and three take-profit targets.

NAS100 FAQ

Nasdaq trading questions, answered.

What is NAS100 and how is it priced? +

NAS100 is commonly a broker label for exposure to the Nasdaq-100 index. Index values are measured in points. A broker's CFD quote, the underlying index and NQ or MNQ futures are related but distinct products.

How accurate are NasdaqSignals NAS100 signals? +

NasdaqSignals advertises 93% accuracy for its NAS100 signals. The results archive shows closed setups; use the period and calculation attached to a performance statistic when comparing it with a rolling sample.

What does a NASDAQ-100 trading signal include? +

A NasdaqSignals setup presents the NAS100 direction, entry level, stop loss, take-profit targets and status. The app sends notifications for new and updated setups; orders are placed separately with your broker.

What moves the NASDAQ-100 price? +

Nasdaq-100 prices reflect the constituent companies, their earnings and valuations, interest-rate expectations and investor demand. Large technology and growth companies have substantial influence; currency and geopolitical developments can also affect the index.

How much capital do I need to trade NASDAQ-100? +

The amount of capital needed depends on the product, minimum position size, margin requirement and chosen stop distance. Calculate cash exposure from the actual contract specification and account currency. There is no universal starting balance that suits every broker or trading plan.

Which broker should I use for NASDAQ-100 trading? +

Use a broker that supports your exact instrument and account jurisdiction. Compare its contract size, quote currency, spread, execution platform and trading hours. The app provides analysis and alerts; the broker handles trade execution.

What is the best time to trade NASDAQ-100? +

Active periods depend on the instrument, trading venue and economic calendar. London and New York activity often overlap with major releases. Local session times shift relative to UTC during daylight saving, so use the session's named timezone rather than one year-round UTC window.

Is NASDAQ-100 trading risky? +

NAS100 exposure can change quickly around earnings and economic releases. Position risk depends on the stop distance and the product's dollar value per point. NQ, MNQ and broker NAS100 CFDs have different contract specifications.

Get Nasdaq futures signals now.

Real-time alerts for NQ, MNQ & NAS100. Free download.