Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures (M2K) | Contract Overview

M2K futures let traders agree to buy or sell the Russell 2000 Index at a future time. Positions are marked to market daily, settled in cash, and can be taken long or short, providing flexible exposure to small-cap equities with reduced risk compared to full-size RTY contracts.

Each M2K contract represents $5 × 1/10 of the Russell 2000 Index points, effectively $5 × 0.1 × index value. For example, if the index is 2,000, one M2K contract is worth $10,000, making it much more accessible for small accounts than standard RTY futures.

The minimum tick size for M2K futures is 0.10 index points, and each tick is worth $0.50 per contract. A full 1-point move in the Russell 2000 equals $5 per M2K contract, helping traders manage risk with smaller dollar exposure.

M2K futures have low margin requirements, often around $50 per contract for day trading, depending on broker and market conditions. Overnight margins are higher but still far lower than standard RTY contracts, making M2K ideal for smaller accounts.

M2K is 1/10th the size of RTY, with lower margin and smaller capital exposure. Both track the Russell 2000 Index, but M2K is better for small accounts, precise position sizing, and beginner traders, while RTY is suitable for larger accounts or higher-volume strategies.

Yes. M2K’s smaller contract size and tight spreads make it suitable for scalping strategies, allowing traders to capture small intraday price movements without committing excessive capital. Fast execution and proper risk management are essential for scalping.

Risk is calculated using tick value, contract size, and position quantity. Each 0.10-point tick equals $0.50 per contract. Multiply potential index movement by tick value and contracts to determine maximum potential gain or loss, which helps with stop-loss and risk management strategies.

Yes. M2K futures are a popular tool for hedging exposure to U.S. small-cap stocks. Traders can take short positions in M2K to offset potential losses in a small-cap portfolio during market declines.

Yes. M2K futures are listed on the CME Globex platform, allowing nearly 24-hour access. International traders can open accounts with CME-regulated brokers like Lincoln Park Financial, subject to local regulations, to trade from anywhere.