TradeStation launches CME Group Spot-Quoted futures for retail traders

TradeStation Securities, Inc. announced the launch of CME Group Spot-Quoted futures (SQFs), a new suite of eight smaller-sized futures contracts. The contracts cover major U.S. equity indices – S&P 500, Nasdaq‑100, Russell 2000 and Dow Jones – and leading cryptocurrencies – Bitcoin, Ether, XRP and Solana. Each SQF has a notional value between $500 and $6,000 and a price increment of $0.25 to $0.50, making them roughly five times smaller than existing micro futures. Priced at or near the underlying cash market value, the contracts use a spot‑index quote while retaining CME Group clearing and regulatory benefits. The product is aimed at active, self‑directed retail traders seeking a familiar pricing convention and lower capital requirements. John Bartleman, President and CEO of TradeStation Group, said the SQFs “provide pricing that’s familiar while giving traders access to the benefits of CME‑cleared futures contracts, making it easier to explore futures markets with greater flexibility.”