Depends on the tick value of the instrument. And how much you're willing to risk per trade. As well as how much ticks does your SL contains. Exemple : Tick Value : 10$ #SL Ticks : 10 ticks Max Risk : 5% of account Account = ((Tick Value x #SL Ticks) x 100) / Max Risk Account = ((10 x 10) x 100) / 5 Account = 2000$ Minimum* *Per Contract. Max Risk is the only unknown, And this isn't an arbitrary number. Look for the Kelly Criterion. Max Return. But of course ... Optimize for Min Risk of Ruin.
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Depending if you are looking to day trade or hold positions overnight. If you hold positions overnight you will need full initial margin per contract. Day trading, I say at least $2500.00, swing trading (holding positions overnight) I say at least $5-$10K. Just my opinion
This is how I check my day trading margins and overnight margins with my broker http://www.e-futures.com/margin-requirements.php