Futures trading is gaining more attention in 2025 as traders look for leveraged, low-cost ways to gain exposure to different markets. But with hundreds of contracts available from crude oil to equity indexes, it can be hard to know where to start.
Choosing the right futures contract is one of the most important decisions a beginner can make. The best contracts offer low fees, strong liquidity, and manageable volatility. In this guide, we’ll explore the best futures to trade for beginners, explain why certain contracts stand out, and show you how to take the first step into the futures markets.
Key Takeaways
- Not all futures contracts are ideal for beginners. The best ones offer high liquidity, smaller contract sizes, and manageable volatility to help you learn without taking on too much risk.
- Micro futures are a smart starting point. Products like MES (S&P 500), MGC (Gold), and MCL (Crude Oil) allow you to trade major markets with lower capital and clearer position sizing.
- Contract selection depends on your trading style. Equity index futures are great for consistency, while commodities and currencies can offer more movement if you’re prepared for volatility.
- Practice and platform access matter. Starting with a demo account on a beginner-friendly platform like MetroTrader can help you build confidence before going live.
What Makes a Futures Contract Beginner-Friendly?
Before we dive into specific contracts, it’s important to understand what makes a futures product suitable for new traders. Not all contracts are created equal.
Here are five things to look for:
- Liquidity: Highly traded contracts with tight bid-ask spreads are easier to enter and exit. They also reduce slippage.
- Smaller contract sizes: Micro futures provide exposure to major markets with lower capital requirements and reduced risk.
- Reasonable volatility: Some price movement is good, but beginners should avoid contracts that swing wildly.
- Low margin requirements: Trading futures involves the use of leverage, which can magnify gains and losses. Choosing contracts with lower initial margins helps control cash exposure.
- Simple fundamentals: Contracts that move with news headlines (like the S&P 500 or crude oil) may be easier for beginners to follow.
When you’re starting, your focus should be on learning how the market works, not swinging for home runs. That’s why micro futures and well-known products are often the best starting points.
Best Futures Contracts to Trade in 2025
Let’s look at some of the top futures contracts for beginners in 2025. These contracts are popular, liquid, and offer a balance of opportunity and risk management.
Note: intraday margins for these contracts are subject to change at any time.
1. Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES)
- Ticker: MES
- Exchange: CME
- Contract Size: $5 x S&P 500 Index
- Intraday Margin on MetroTrade: ~$187.70
MES is one of the most beginner-friendly futures contracts available. It tracks the S&P 500 index, which represents the 500 largest U.S. companies. Because it’s tied to such a broad market, it’s less volatile than individual stocks or niche commodities.
The MES trades nearly 24 hours a day and has extremely deep liquidity. This means orders are filled quickly, and you can enter and exit positions without large price gaps. It’s also a great contract for practicing technical setups.
2. Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ)
- Ticker: MNQ
- Contract Size: $2 x Nasdaq-100 Index
- Intraday Margin on MetroTrade: ~$272.62
- Best For: More experienced traders who want more volatility
The MNQ tracks the Nasdaq-100, which includes big names like Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. It tends to move more than the S&P 500, making it better for short-term traders looking for larger price swings.
Because of its popularity, the MNQ is heavily traded. But be aware: it is more volatile than the MES, so risk management is key.
3. Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Ticker: MCL
- Contract Size: 100 barrels
- Intraday Margin on MetroTrade: ~$342.10
- Volatility: High, driven by global events, inventory data, and OPEC meetings
Crude oil is one of the most traded commodities in the world. MCL provides beginners access to the energy markets with reduced size and risk.
Oil prices are impacted by news events that are easy to follow—think war headlines, OPEC decisions, or weekly inventory reports. This makes MCL a great product for those who want to blend technical and fundamental analysis.
However, it can be volatile. Tight stops and a clear trading plan are essential.
4. Micro Gold (MGC)
- Ticker: MGC
- Contract Size: 10 troy ounces
- Intraday Margin on MetroTrade: ~$825
- Why It’s Good for Beginners: Globally recognized asset with strong liquidity
Gold is known as a safe-haven asset. It tends to move when inflation rises or during periods of economic uncertainty.
MGC is a great way to get exposure to metal futures without the high cost of full-size gold contracts. It trades actively and reacts to global macroeconomic factors like interest rates and inflation reports.
5. 1-Ounce Gold Futures (GGC)
- Ticker: 1OZ
- Contract Size: 1 troy ounce
- Intraday Margin on MetroTrade: ~$160
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Small size, low cost, high accessibility
The 1-ounce Gold Futures contract (1OZ) is one of the newest and most accessible ways to trade gold on the CME. Unlike the standard 100-ounce or micro 10-ounce gold contracts, the 1OZ offers a simple 1:1 exposure to gold with very low capital requirements. This makes it one of the most beginner-friendly gold futures contracts available in 2025.
It’s great for traders who want exposure to gold’s price action without committing to large margin or position sizes. 1OZ also responds well to major economic events like inflation reports, central bank decisions, and geopolitical risks, giving traders a clear narrative to follow.
Thanks to its low cost and strong visibility, 1OZ is a solid choice for newer traders interested in commodities and safe-haven assets.
6. Micro EUR/USD Futures (M6E)
- Ticker: M6E
- Contract Size: 12,500 EUR
- Intraday Margin on MetroTrade: ~$300
- Market Hours: 24/5, with strong movement during European and U.S. sessions
Currency futures like the M6E let traders take positions on exchange rates. EUR/USD is the most liquid currency pair in the world, making this contract a reliable choice for beginners who want to explore forex-style trading with futures protections (like centralized clearing).
It’s ideal for news-driven traders who want to trade around central bank decisions or employment reports.
7. Micro Corn (MZC) or Micro Soybeans (MZS)
- Tickers: MZC, MZS
- Contract Size: 500 bushels
- Intraday Margin: ~$100–$200
- Why It’s Good: Seasonality and USDA reports make fundamentals easier to follow
Agricultural futures are often overlooked by beginners, but they offer clean trends and consistent price cycles. Micro Corn and Soybean contracts are ideal for learning how supply, weather, and demand impact prices.
These contracts are especially popular around USDA report releases and planting/harvest seasons.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Futures Contract
When selecting your first product, keep these tips in mind:
- Trading hours: Choose a contract that’s active during your available trading times. U.S. equity index futures are busiest from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM CT.
- News sensitivity: Start with contracts that are responsive to widely reported news items and economic indicators.
- Margin and capital: Use micro contracts to start small while learning how margin works.
- Platform access and costs: Platforms like MetroTrader offer direct access to CME micro futures with low commissions, no platform fees, and deep market data.
If you’re unsure where to begin, consider starting with MES or MGC. These contracts are well-known, widely followed, and easier to learn from.
How to Get Started Trading Futures in 2025
Ready to start trading? Here’s a step-by-step path:
- Open a trading account with a regulated broker
Choose a futures broker that offers direct CME access, low costs, and good customer support. MetroTrade checks all these boxes. - Start with a free demo account
MetroTrader gives you a free 30-day simulated trading account. - Understand margin and leverage
Know the difference between intraday and overnight margin. Always use stop losses. - Choose a beginner-friendly contract
Begin with MES, MGC, or another liquid micro contract.
Trading futures doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and plan, you can grow your skills at your own pace.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Even the best futures contracts can lead to trouble if approached the wrong way. Watch out for these common errors:
- Jumping into volatile markets without preparation
- Ignoring margin and overleveraging positions
- Trading illiquid contracts with poor fills
- Trading during low-volume times (like Sunday evenings or holidays)
A smart beginner keeps things simple, starts small, and focuses on consistency.
Conclusion
There’s no single “best” futures contract for everyone, but some clearly stand out for new traders in 2025. Contracts like MES, MNQ, MGC, and M6E offer low risk, strong liquidity, and good learning opportunities.
The key is to choose products that fit your risk tolerance, trading hours, and interests. MetroTrade makes it easy to get started with free simulated trading and live access to CME contracts like MES, MGC, MCL, and more.
Open your account today and take the first step toward trading futures with confidence.
FAQs
What are the best futures contracts to trade for beginners?
The best futures contracts for beginners include micro contracts like the Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES), Micro Gold (MGC), and Micro Crude Oil (MCL). These contracts are highly liquid, have lower margin requirements, and allow new traders to manage risk more effectively.
Which futures contract is easiest to trade?
The Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES) is considered the easiest futures contract to trade. It has strong liquidity, a small contract size, and moves in line with the overall stock market, making it ideal for beginners.
Are micro futures good for new traders?
Yes, micro futures are ideal for new traders. They offer smaller position sizes, lower risk, and access to popular markets like the S&P 500, crude oil, and gold, all with reduced margin requirements.
How much money do I need to trade futures?
You can start trading micro futures with as little as $100 to $500, depending on your broker’s intraday margin requirements. Beginners should avoid using full leverage and start small.
What is the minimum margin for trading futures?
Minimum margin for trading micro futures can be as low as $50 to $300 per contract for intraday trades. Overnight margins are higher. Check MetroTrade’s pricing page for current rates.
Can I try futures trading with a demo account?
Yes, many brokers offer free futures demo accounts that let you practice trading with real-time data. MetroTrader offers demo access to all CME micro contracts with no risk.
What is the safest futures contract for beginners?
The MES (Micro E-mini S&P 500) is often considered the safest futures contract for beginners because of its steady price action, high liquidity, and broad exposure to the U.S. stock market.
How do I pick the right futures contract to trade?
To choose the right futures contract, look for high liquidity, low margin requirements, manageable volatility, and a market you understand, such as stock indexes, gold, or oil.
The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered trading, investment, tax, or legal advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation. Always consult with a licensed financial professional before making any trading decisions. MetroTrade is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this content.