Futures trading glossary

Short, plain-English answers to the questions beginners ask before their first paper trade. Each guide explains one concept — point values, P/L math, margin, contract specs — using the same micro futures contracts you can practice with on Soku Trade: MES, MGC, and MJY.

What is a point move worth in MES futures?How the Micro E-mini S&P 500 contract turns index points into dollars.How does P/L calculation work in micro futures?The formula behind every profit and loss number in a paper trading account.What's the difference between micro gold (MGC) and spot gold?Futures contracts vs. owning physical gold, explained in plain English.Futures paper trading without opening a broker accountWhat NinjaTrader, TradingView, thinkorswim, and IBKR actually require to get started.How to read a futures candlestick chartCandle anatomy, trends, support and resistance, volume, and timeframes — with diagrams.

Want market commentary instead of definitions? Read the Soku Trade blog.