Popular Futures Markets Available on Plus500 (LON:PLUSP)

Knowing which contracts a platform actually lists is a practical starting point, because the available market set determines what a trader can follow from a single account. Futures markets are organized by asset class, and each class responds to a different set of drivers, from central bank policy to weather and harvest conditions. Futures trading involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. This guide walks through the asset classes available on the Plus500 platform, the contracts within each, what tends to move them, and how micro-sized contracts change the sizing decision.

TL;DR

• Contracts span equity indices, energy, metals, agriculture, forex, interest rates and cryptocurrencies.
• Micro-sized versions are available across most categories, alongside mini and standard contracts.
• Each asset class responds to a distinct set of drivers, which affects how it is researched.
• Day trading margins are published per contract and differ substantially between micro and standard sizes.
• Demo mode covers the same markets as a live account, with real-time quotes.

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Which Asset Classes Are Available?

Seven futures categories are offered on the platform, which means index, commodity, currency, rate and crypto exposure can all be followed from one account.

• Equity indices
• Energy
• Metals
• Agriculture
• Forex
• Interest rates
• Cryptocurrencies

Prediction markets are available alongside futures in the same platform, as a separate product rather than a variety of futures contract.

What Equity Index Contracts Are Listed?

Equity index futures track the level of a stock index and are among the most actively followed contracts in US markets.

• Micro E-mini and E-mini S&P 500
• Micro E-mini and E-mini Nasdaq-100
• Micro E-mini and E-mini Dow Jones
• Micro E-mini and E-mini Russell 2000
• E-mini S&P MidCap 400
• Nikkei and Micro Nikkei

These contracts respond to Federal Reserve policy, inflation and employment data, corporate earnings and shifts in global risk sentiment.

What Energy and Metals Contracts Are Listed?

Energy and metals are the traditional core of commodity futures, and both are available in standard and reduced sizes.

Energy contracts react to inventory reports, production decisions, refinery activity and geopolitical developments. Metals respond to real interest rates, the US dollar, industrial demand and central bank activity.

What Agricultural Contracts Are Available?

Agricultural futures are tied to physical production cycles, which gives them a different rhythm from financial contracts.

• Grains and oilseeds: Corn, Micro Corn, Wheat, Micro Wheat, KC HRW Wheat, Soybean, Micro Soybean, Soybean Meal, Micro Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil, Micro Soybean Oil
• Livestock: Live Cattle, Feeder Cattle, Lean Hogs

Planting and harvest reports, weather, export demand and feed costs are the recurring drivers in this category.

What Forex, Interest Rate and Crypto Contracts Are Available?

These three categories connect most directly to monetary policy and to macroeconomic expectations.

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Trading with leverage comes with a high risk and may not be suitable for everyone

How Do Micro Contracts Change the Sizing Decision?

Micro contracts carry smaller multipliers and smaller margin requirements than their standard counterparts, which allows exposure to be scaled in finer increments.

For equity indices, a micro contract is one tenth the size of the corresponding E-mini contract. The Micro E-mini S&P 500 uses a $5 multiplier against the index, while the E-mini S&P 500 uses $50, based on CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) contract specifications. A ten-point index move therefore represents $50 on one micro contract and $500 on one E-mini contract, in whichever direction the move occurs.

Smaller size does not reduce the risk that a market moves against you. It changes how much of that move reaches the account.

Plus500US: Trading with leverage comes with a high risk and may not be suitable for everyone.

What Margins and Costs Apply Across Markets?

Day trading margin, described as the initial amount of money needed to open a futures order position, is published per contract and varies widely. Published examples include $50 for the Micro E-mini S&P 500, $500 for the E-mini S&P 500, $125 for Micro Gold and $1,250 for Gold. Margin rates may not be reflected in real time. Please visit the platform for current rates.

Commissions are charged per side at $0.89 for standard contracts and $0.49 for micro contracts, with an NFA fee of $0.02 per side per contract and exchange fees as applicable. The minimum deposit is $10 for U.S. customers, and additional fees may apply, as set out on the Fees & Charges page. Account eligibility depends on residency, verification, and other requirements.

Why Consider Plus500?

• Futures and Prediction Markets in one platform
• Transparent fees
• Regulated by the CFTC and NFA
• Unlimited demo mode
• Access to futures across seven asset classes, including micro-sized contracts
• A free trading academy (Educational resources and news)
• Free live charts and real-time market data with no data fees
• Built-in risk management features, including stop-loss orders

Key Takeaways

• The platform covers equity indices, energy, metals, agriculture, forex, interest rates and crypto futures.
• Micro, mini and standard sizes are available across most categories.
• Each asset class has its own drivers, from Fed policy to harvest conditions.
• Day trading margins differ substantially by contract and can change, so the platform shows current rates.
• Demo mode gives access to the same markets with real-time quotes and no real money at risk.

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Trading with leverage comes with a high risk and may not be suitable for everyone

FAQs

Which Futures Markets Can I Trade on Plus500?

Equity indices, energy, metals, agriculture, forex, interest rates and cryptocurrencies, with micro-sized contracts available in most categories.

Are Micro Contracts Available Across All Asset Classes?

Micro-sized contracts are listed across equity indices, energy, metals, agriculture, forex, interest rates and crypto, though the specific contracts available vary by category.

Do Different Markets Have Different Margin Requirements?

Yes. Day trading margin is published per contract and differs widely between micro and standard sizes, and between asset classes.

Are Prediction Markets a Type of Futures Contract?

No. Prediction markets are offered alongside futures in the same platform as a distinct product, not as a variety of futures contract.

Can I Explore These Markets Before Funding an Account?

Yes. Demo mode covers the same markets as a real account, using real-time quotes and unlimited virtual funds.