ES vs. SP

[rcollen]

Please explain the difference between the ES and the SP. Do they have different margin requirements to trade?

[sledge]

Please explain the difference between the ES and the SP. Do they have different margin requirements to trade?

You can't trade the S&P 500 index.

The ES usually refers to the e-mini S&P 500, which is a Future.

The other one you might have heard of is the SPY. That's a stock that you can trade. There are also variations of SPY, like a 2x,3x,4x...and all have inverse options too (go long to go short).

[NinjaTrader_PatrickH]

Hello rcollen,

Thank you for your post.

Sledge is correct, the ES is the futures instrument, the SPY is the stock, and the SP500 is the index.

Margin requirements will need to be discussed with your broker.

Please let me know if you have any questions.