I've been researching but haven't seemed to find a definitive answer. How much money would I need in my account to trade micro futures? I know it would depend on the future, as mnq is more expensive than mes. Any idea how much I would need in order to comfortably trade either one of these?

VinceField 

I've been researching but haven't seemed to find a definitive answer. How much money would I need in my account to trade micro futures? I know it would depend on the future, as mnq is more expensive than mes. Any idea how much I would need in order to comfortably trade either one of these?

It really depends on:

1. Margin required (which you already know)
2. The strategy you are trading (what are its historical drawdowns like)
3. Your risk tolerance (how much drawdown could you handle)
4. Your desired rate of return


It is not a simple answer, and there is no "one size fits all" answer.

I will say most people underestimate the needed account size, and overestimate the drawdown they can accept. This leads to many wiped out accounts.

kevinkdog 

It really depends on: 1. Margin required (which you already know) 2. The strategy you are trading (what are its historical drawdowns like) 3. Your risk tolerance (how much drawdown could you handle) 4. Your desired rate of return It is not a simple answer, and there is no "one size fits all" answer. I will say most people underestimate the needed account size, and overestimate the drawdown they can accept. This leads to many wiped out accounts.

Maybe you could tell me about maintenance margin. Do I need that value in my account to purchase contracts to day trade or will that amount only be necessary if I hold a position after the close? If the maintenance margin is 4k do I need at least that to trade a contract or just if I want to hold?

VinceField 

Maybe you could tell me about maintenance margin. Do I need that value in my account to purchase contracts to day trade or will that amount only be necessary if I hold a position after the close? If the maintenance margin is 4k do I need at least that to trade a contract or just if I want to hold?

Maintenance margin is the amount you need in your account to hold a position overnight.

Some brokers offer day trade margins, where the amount they require is far less than exchange margin requirements.

kevinkdog 

Maintenance margin is the amount you need in your account to hold a position overnight. Some brokers offer day trade margins, where the amount they require is far less than exchange margin requirements.

Thanks. I wasn't sure if I needed that maintenance margin in the account even if it wasn't going to be used.

VinceField 

I've been researching but haven't seemed to find a definitive answer. How much money would I need in my account to trade micro futures? I know it would depend on the future, as mnq is more expensive than mes. Any idea how much I would need in order to comfortably trade either one of these?

Here is one way to to do it:
Try to trade in Paper Money. See how much you need by adjusting your balance up or down till you get rejected.
Good practice.