There's a lot of questions that come up quite commonly when someone takes their first steps towards becoming an Emini day trader. What are futures? How do they compare to stocks, Forex, or commodities? How does a trader actually make their money?

In order to answer these questions and other topics of interest to the developing trader we've put together The Emini Day Trading Series. Over the course of four articles it will provide you the foundation to understand what futures are and how we day trade here at Samurai Trading Academy.

What Are Emini S&P 500 Futures?

In Part 1 of the Emini Day Trading Series we will look at what Emini S&P 500 (ES) futures actually are, including a brief history on how this instrument was created. We also look at some of the important details like the value of ticks and points when price moves, contract expirations, and the times that the market is open and highly active.

Read Part 1: What Are Emini S&P 500 Futures?

8 Advantages of Trading Emini S&P 500 Futures

In Part 2 we will consider some of the advantages of trading Emini futures compared to Forex, stocks, commodities, and bonds. There are a number of positive qualities that make Emini S&P 500 futures an ideal market for the developing and professional trader alike.

Read Part 2: 8 Advantages of Trading Emini S&P 500 Futures

How Money is Made as an Emini Trader

In Part 3 we discuss how money is actually made as a day trader. We start by covering important aspects of your trading account and it's use such as the leverage and margin requirements with your broker. We then look at some long (buy) and short (sell) trade examples and see how money is made (or lost) on trades and also some of the costs like commissions that are involved. Finally we look at the potential earnings a trader can look to make upon reaching consistent profitability.

Read Part 3: How Money is Made as an Emini Day Trader

What You Need to Start Day Trading

In Part 4 of the Emini Day Trading series we will cover what an aspiring trader needs to do before they can start actively day trading. This includes finding a good broker, getting a charting platform set up, what to look for in a trading computer, and also the importance of having a good trading education and trading system so that you won't enter the market unprepared.

Read Part 4: What You Need to Start Day Trading