2025 futures market US: Top contracts to watch this year

The futures market in the US is drawing more attention in 2025 as investors look for ways to move ahead of unpredictable headlines and shifting economic signals. From interest rate volatility to tech sector corrections and surging commodity prices, traders want the ability to make forward-looking bets—or protect themselves from what's next.

But figuring out where to start isn't easy. With numerous futures contracts available, investors often struggle to determine which ones are worth monitoring, which markets are heating, or when new opportunities will become tradable. That uncertainty can lead to hesitation at precisely the moment when timing matters most. Whether you're watching US stock futures or commodity prices, clarity is key.

In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about the leading contracts in the US futures market for 2025. First, we'll highlight the top contract categories making moves—from equities to energy to interest rates. Then we'll unpack the forces behind their popularity, including inflation, Fed activity, and sector shifts shaping the year. You'll also learn how to get started with our future stocks even if you're new to the space, and we'll share key listing dates to watch—especially for New York Stock Exchange futures and other major launches.

If you're looking to get ahead of the curve with a practical approach to trading futures, this is your starting point. Let's examine which contracts are worth tracking currently and where the most opportunities may arise in the months ahead.

Top futures contracts to watch in the US market in 2025

Index futures are leading the market.

Equity index futures remain a top focus in 2025. Among US stock futures, the S&P 500 E-mini stands out for its deep liquidity and connection to large-cap stocks. Traders use it to speculate on or hedge against overall market direction. For more tech-heavy exposure, the NASDAQ-100 futures continue to attract interest—especially with AI and semiconductor stocks in flux this year.

The Russell 2000 futures also deserve attention. These contracts offer exposure to small-cap companies, which tend to react strongly to domestic economic changes. In times of shifting rate policy or government spending trends, Russell contracts give traders a helpful way to bet on U.S.-centric growth stories.

Commodity-based contracts are gaining traction.

As inflation stays above average and geopolitical risks affect supply chains, commodity futures are back in the spotlight. Gold futures have seen a steady rise in volume as investors seek safe-haven positions. Crude oil futures remain essential for energy sector plays, as OPEC+ decisions and environmental policy changes keep prices volatile.

Agricultural futures, such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, are also gaining interest. These markets react quickly to weather events, shortages, and export demand—offering traders tactical opportunities throughout the year. With food price shocks still fresh from previous years, more investors are closely monitoring these contracts.

Interest rate and Treasury futures

Treasury futures and interest rate products are experiencing growing demand as traders anticipate more clarity—or potential surprises—from the Federal Reserve in 2025. The 10-year Treasury Note futures are especially active as benchmarks for long-term rate expectations. They provide a way to profit from or hedge against interest rate moves without holding cash bonds.

Short-term rate futures tied to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) are also popular among institutional and quant traders. With markets uncertain about whether the Fed will stick to rate cuts or pause, these futures offer critical tools for positioning around monetary policy shifts.

Next, let's examine what's driving the growing interest in these specific futures contracts—and how broader economic conditions are shaping demand in the United States stock market futures space.

Key factors driving futures contract popularity in 2025

Macroeconomic trends and inflation

Inflation remains a top concern for investors in 2025, even as it's cooled from pandemic-era highs. That's why futures tied to commodities like gold, crude oil, and agricultural products are seeing higher volumes. These contracts help hedge against losses in purchasing power and global supply shocks.

In the United States stock market futures space, inflation data also drives volatility in index and Treasury futures. Investors are quick to adjust positioning based on monthly CPI readings and wage growth indicators. For example, a hotter-than-expected inflation report in March led to a 12% increase in S&P 500 futures trading volume over 48 hours.

Retail investors and institutions alike are using futures to prepare for both inflation spikes and disinflation surprises, making them essential tools for 2025 portfolio insurance.

Sectoral shifts in equities and commodities

The rotation between growth and value stocks is steering demand for specific index and commodity futures. Tech and clean energy themes are driving NASDAQ-100 and lithium futures, while traditional players are backing oil and metals as demand normalises following the recovery of the supply chain.

Also, green policy initiatives are driving renewed interest in agricultural futures. Corn and soybean contracts are trading at high volumes due to increased demand for ethanol and pressure from exports. Companies like Deere and Archer Daniels Midland are being tracked closely alongside grain price movements.

Meanwhile, sector-specific volatility attracts day traders to Russell 2000 contracts. As smaller companies exhibit uneven performance, this index provides short-term opportunities based on job data, PMI readings, and regional bank activity.

Federal Reserve and interest rate expectations

Markets are split on whether the Fed will cut rates in H2 2025. That uncertainty is fueling trades in SOFR and Treasury futures. In early May, short-term rate futures implied a 60% chance of two rate cuts by year-end, pushing those contract volumes to quarterly highs.

Bond funds and pension managers are using 10-year futures to realign interest rate risk without dumping long-term positions. Retail traders are also entering lower-cost e-mini versions to speculate on the outcomes of the Fed meeting. This activity reflects how central policy still shapes every corner of the futures market in the US.

So what's the best way to get involved yourself? In the next section, we'll explore how to start trading US futures stocks in 2025, even if you're new to this market.

How to start investing in US futures contracts in 2025

Choose a regulated futures broker.

To get started with trading US futures stocks, your first step is selecting a licensed and reliable futures broker. Look for firms registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and members of the National Futures Association (NFA).

Top platforms, including Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, and NinjaTrader, offer access to major futures exchanges such as the CME Group and ICE. They support trading on contracts tied to indexes, commodities, and interest rates—all core components of the US futures market.

Before opening an account, check their commission structure, minimum funding requirements, and available contract types. Ensure the platform supports real-time margin monitoring and has mobile app capabilities, if that's important to you.

Understanding margin and risk requirements

Trading futures involves posting margin—a portion of the contract's value—as collateral. The exchange sets the initial margin, then your broker may add a maintenance buffer.

For example, to trade one E-mini S&P 500 contract, you may need around $4,000 initial margin. Margin calls happen if your position moves against you and dips below the maintenance level.

Also, each futures contract has different tick sizes, multipliers, and settlement methods. Some, like SOFR futures, settle in cash. Others—such as crude oil—can result in physical delivery if not closed out before the expiration date.

Ensure that you use stop-loss orders, set risk per-trade limits, and test strategies in paper trading mode before committing actual capital.

Tracking the market and using trading platforms

Once you're set up, staying informed is key. Most brokers offer platforms with real-time data, charting tools, and economic calendars. However, you can also track stock market futures using resources like CME Market Data, Bloomberg, and TradingView.

Use watchlists to flag high-volume contracts and set trade alerts around key events, such as Federal Reserve meetings or earnings seasons. Many traders also rely on DOM (Depth of Market) tools to view order book activity before entering a trade.

If you're a mobile-first trader, apps like Thinkorswim and TradeStation offer full trading support on smartphones, making it ideal for monitoring positions on the go.

Now that you're equipped with the basics of getting started, the next step is knowing when new futures contracts will hit the market. Let's review the 2025 release calendar and key launches to watch.

Ready to own a piece of the world’s biggest brands?

• Invest in 4,000+ US stocks & ETFs
• Fractional investing
• Zero account opening fees
• Secure and seamless

Start with just $1

Start investing in just 2 minutes!

P.S. No hidden fees or spam, just a smarter way to invest globally!

Build your global portfolio.

Invest in companies you love, like Apple and Tesla.

Track, manage, and grow your investments.

Upcoming futures listings and dates to watch

Launch calendar for popular index and commodity futures

Staying ahead of contract launches can help you plan better entries. In 2025, several major listings are expected across index and commodity segments on the CME Group and ICE exchanges. The New York Stock Exchange futures segment is also rumoured to introduce pilot contracts in H2, targeting consumer demand trends.

Here's a rough quarterly timeline of notable contract debuts:

• Q1 2025: ICE to launch updated Brent Crude micro contracts, tailored for retail traders.
• Q2 2025: CME's micro E-mini NASDAQ 100 refresh with adjusted tick values to match post-volatility demand.
• Q3 2025: The NYSE may list a new sustainability-linked index future that tracks ESG-heavy US firms.
• Q4 2025: Expanded agricultural futures on corn and soy, aligning with USDA harvest forecasts and export cycle shifts.

Mark your broker's economic calendar or join exchange mailing lists to get alerts as these dates approach. Early awareness lets you paper-trade ahead of real moves.

Speculation around new contract rollouts

The US futures market is also seeing speculation about contract launches tied to future-focused sectors. With AI, clean tech, and electric vehicles in focus, futures linked to companies in these industries could appear by late 2025. Exchanges like CME are reportedly exploring thematic contracts.

There's also buzz about inflation volatility hedging tools, with potential products tracking CPI-linked indexes more tightly. These would appeal to institutions and traders looking to manage rate risk beyond Treasuries.

Some of these may appear first as pilot contracts or through the NYSE's futures arm. Keep an eye on quarterly filings and contract approval bulletins posted by CME and CFTC. These updates often hint at rollout windows weeks before launch.

Now that you understand the major listings and what drives their timing, it's easier to plan your entry into the futures market in the US. Timing your trades around new product launches can offer better liquidity and stronger price movement opportunities.

Your next step involves selecting a trusted broker, becoming familiar with margin rules, and monitoring key indices such as the S&P 500 or United States stock futures. Utilise tools that track real-time pricing and contract specifications to avoid missing shifts in trading volume or volatility across the US stock market, futures, and commodities.

This will help you stay ahead in 2025 as trends shift fast—whether it's tech growth moving the NASDAQ-100 or interest rate decisions impacting Treasury futures. Staying proactive now can sharpen your strategy for where the US is headed in the future.

Frequently asked questions about the 2025 US futures market?

1) What are the top futures contracts to watch in 2025?

US investors are closely watching futures tied to the S&P 500, NASDAQ-100, and crude oil, along with interest rate and 10-year Treasury note contracts. These represent substantial trading volume and are influenced by major economic trends in the United States stock market futures.

2) Why are specific futures contracts more popular in 2025?

Contracts gain popularity based on volatility, liquidity, and their relevance to current economic events. In 2025, inflation data, Fed policy, and tech sector growth are pushing demand for specific index and commodity futures in the futures market US.

3) How do I invest in futures contracts for 2025?

You need to open a trading account with a futures broker that offers access to exchanges like CME or ICE. Next, fund your margin account and choose contracts based on your market view of US futures, stocks and commodities.

4) When will the major upcoming futures contracts be listed in 2025?

Key contracts are expected to be announced quarterly, with new listings occurring in Q1 through Q4. For example, NYSE may launch sustainability-linked futures by Q3, while the CME plans updates to micro E-mini contracts in Q2.

Disclaimer: Futures trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Contributed by Denila Lobo

Denila is a content writer at Winvesta. She crafts clear, concise content on international payments, helping freelancers and businesses easily navigate global financial solutions.