Trading metrics guides for futures traders
A trading journal helps you review decisions against your own data. These guides explain Profit Factor, win rate and drawdown, show how to calculate each metric and identify the questions a single number cannot answer. They describe a sample of trades; they are not signals for the next one.
Three metrics, three different questions
Start with the definition, check the formula and then compare it with your Journal. In NQ futures, one index point is worth $20 per contract; in MNQ, it is worth $2. Keep contract size and costs consistent when comparing periods.
Profit Factor
Compare gross profit with gross loss across your trades.
Win rate
Measure the share of trades classified as winners.
Drawdown
Measure the decline in equity from a previous peak.
NQ vs MNQ vs NNQ
Compare point value, tick and contract size for Nasdaq-100 futures.
NQ futures trading hours
CME session times, the 9:30 ET cash open, clock changes and your best time slots.
Trading expectancy
Calculate the average trade outcome alongside win rate, risk and breakevens.
A metric needs context
A 60% win rate can coexist with losses when losing trades are much larger. A positive Profit Factor can hide an equity decline that is difficult to withstand. Read all three metrics alongside the period, sample size, trading model and costs.
The NQ Trades Lab dashboard helps you segment your data, while your Journal keeps the context of each execution. The goal is to ask better questions about what happened, without treating a historical statistic as a promise.
Frequently asked questions
What should a trading journal record?
At minimum, record the result, instrument, size, date and a consistent rule for classifying trades. Model, time and errors add context when comparing samples.
Can I compare NQ and MNQ using the same metrics?
Yes, but separate points, dollars, contract count and costs. A point is worth $20 in NQ and $2 in MNQ per contract.
Do these metrics predict the next trade?
No. They summarize past trades. Their usefulness depends on data quality, sample size and a consistent method.
Review your trades in context
Start with up to 100 trades. NQ Trades Lab is an analytical and educational tool; it does not provide signals or financial advice.