Here's how it used to work some time ago on a CQG datafeed, on the MGC. It worked back then for us unsophisticated types. I'm sure things are different now... We'll just have to wait and see with these new micro equities.
Since there are a lot of questions on cost on this thread about the Micro E-mini products we felt we would chime in about what Tradovate will offer. With the tick values and total notional values significantly smaller, we agree for these products to be successful the total cost must be lower. At Tradovate the commission for the Mirco E-Mini Products will be $0.25 per side. Therefore, the total cost per side will be: Exchange Fee $0.20 Clearing Fee $0.09 Order Routing Fee $0.00 NFA $0.02 Tradovate Commission $0.25 Total per Side $0.56 In addition, traders who trader bigger size could always choose to lower their per side commission rate even further by choosing our Active Trader plan ($99/month with $0.19 commission) or Commission Free ($249/month with $0.00 commission). Our minimum account size will be reduced to $250 to allow traders more access to these products. Keeping these in sync with the classic E-Mini we will also offer $50 day-trade margins on the Mirco E-mini products. Lastly, our software is free. We would note while it is free, the free version is it is not limited and includes: Tradovate Software Minimum to Open Account $250 E-Micro Day Trade Margin $50 Commission Rate - E-Micros $0.25 Unlimited Simulation ✓ Windows Download Version ✓ Mac Download Version ✓ Streaming Web Version ✓ Mobile Version ✓ ATM Bracket Orders ✓ Chart Trader ✓ One Cancels Other (OCO) ✓ Order Entry Hotkeys ✓ Custom Indicators ✓ Advanced Alerting ✓ Depth of Market (DOM) ✓ Tabbed Windows ✓ Auto-Close Positions ✓ Volumetric Bars ✓ Volume Profile ✓ Cumulative Delta ✓ VWAP ✓
If 1 tick can't cover all the transaction fees, it's not worth trading. Trading is tough enough already.
Ever wonder why something like this was created? Think there's an overwhelming commercial use for a "micro" contract like this? Put this right up there with "micro" forex, weekly options, bi-modal options, and others of its ilk: A way to generate commissions and fees from those insistent upon trading the ES.
Why trade SPY? A round lot in SPY is 2x the Micro. (2x)Micro at $2,400 initial req vs. $14,700 for SPY overnight. Plus, it has 1256 tax treatment. Nobody here has hedged their book with SPY? You've never gone long/short SPY outright? The only disadvantage is the quarterly roll.
Obviously not intended for commercial accounts. The same might have been said of the Mini ES when it was added. I believe CME has reduced their fee to 20 cents and commissions should be reduced also. Listened to a webinar on Wednesday and there seems to be real interest in the Micro. Time will tell