E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures (RTY) | Contract Overview

RTY futures allow traders to agree to buy or sell the Russell 2000 Index at a future date. Positions are marked to market daily, with profits and losses settled in cash. Traders can take long or short positions, leveraging capital to efficiently manage exposure to small-cap U.S. equities.

Each E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY) futures contract represents $50 × the Russell 2000 Index points. For example, if the index is at 2,000, one contract has a notional value of $100,000. This smaller contract size makes RTY futures accessible to retail and institutional traders.

The minimum tick size for RTY futures is 0.10 index points, and each tick is worth $5 per contract. A full 1-point move equals $50 per contract, allowing traders to calculate risk and reward efficiently.

Day trading margins for RTY futures typically start around $500 per contract, while overnight margins are higher. Traders with smaller accounts can use Micro E-mini Russell 2000 (M2K) futures, which are 1/10th the size of standard RTY contracts, requiring much lower margin.

M2K futures are 1/10th the size of standard RTY contracts, offering lower margin requirements and smaller exposure. Both track the Russell 2000 Index, but M2K is ideal for smaller accounts or precise position sizing, while standard RTY is better for higher-volume traders.

Beginners can trade RTY futures if they understand tick value, margin, and risk management. Starting with Micro E-mini Russell 2000 (M2K) futures allows smaller positions, lower capital risk, and a learning curve before trading full-size RTY contracts.

Yes. RTY futures are listed on the CME Globex platform, providing nearly 24-hour access. International traders can open accounts with CME-regulated brokers like Lincoln Park Financial to trade from anywhere, subject to local regulations.

Yes. RTY futures are a common tool for hedging exposure to U.S. small-cap stocks. By taking short positions in RTY, traders can offset potential losses in their small-cap portfolios during market downturns.

If your account equity falls below required maintenance margin, your broker may issue a margin call, requiring additional funds to maintain positions. Failure to meet a margin call can lead to forced liquidation of positions.

The most liquid periods are during U.S. stock market hours, especially from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, when volume and volatility are highest. Extended hours also offer opportunities but with slightly wider spreads.

Profit and loss on RTY futures are calculated using tick value and contract size. Each 0.10 index-point tick equals $5 per contract. Multiply the number of ticks the market moves by $5 and your number of contracts to determine total P/L.