The Emini (ES) is the largest of the “mini” index futures markets – with over 500,000 trades executed every day. If you’re new to day trading Emini futures, the ES is the natural starting point, but some traders prefer the extra volatility of the NASDAQ or the “smoother” trend moves of the Dow.
If that’s you and you’d like to use the ‘Better’ indicators, here is a video explaining how to adjust for the smaller trading volume of these markets and some recommended time frame settings for your charts:
- NQ (mini-NASDAQ): 150, 450 and 1,350 tick bar charts
- YM (mini-Dow): 100, 300 and 900 tick bar charts
- TF (mini-Russell, formerly ER2): 100, 300 and 900 tick bar charts
- EMD (mini-S&P Midcap 400): 25, 75 and 225 tick bar charts
In addition, you might consider taking signals off the Emini (ES) chart but placing orders on your preferred index futures (NQ, YM, TF or EMD).
I hope you found this video on NQ, YM, TF & EMD chart settings helpful. Once your chart settings are dialled in, the next step is understanding each time frame’s role – see the 45, 135-minute and daily chart explanation. You’ll also want to calibrate your profit targets and stop losses to each market’s volatility.
