E-Mini Nasdaq-100 Futures (NQ) | Contract Overview

Rolling a futures contract means closing or offsetting a position in an expiring contract and opening a new position in the next available contract month. This allows traders to maintain market exposure without holding a contract through settlement.

No, Sunday–Friday: 5:00 PM – 4:00 PM CT (Daily break: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT)

Yes. NQ futures are CFTC-regulated futures contracts traded on a regulated U.S. derivatives exchange. Clearing is handled through an approved clearing organization, helping ensure transparency, risk management, and regulatory oversight.

CME NQ futures are cash-settled. Profits and losses are settled in U.S. dollars rather than stock, eliminating the need to hold or transfer the underlying asset.

NQ futures are designed for traders seeking Nasdaq-100 price exposure with larger contract sizes. They may appeal to active traders, hedgers, and market participants who want flexibility without fixed expiration dates, while still operating within a regulated futures environment.

Traders access NQ futures through a high-quality futures brokerage like Lincoln Park Financial that provides connectivity to regulated derivatives exchanges. Margin, fees, and platform access vary on FCM, traders should review all product specifications and disclosures before trading.

Trading NQ futures involves market risk, leverage risk, and the possibility of losing more than the initial margin posted. Price volatility can lead to rapid gains or losses. Futures trading is not suitable for all investors and should be approached with proper risk management.