Nasdaq-100 futures · NQ & MNQ
NQ and MNQ futures automation for NinjaTrader 8
Two automated strategies for the Nasdaq-100. Vortex trades the opening drive in the first minutes after the bell, and Cipher covers the middle of the day and the close. Both trade Micro E-mini Nasdaq (MNQ) by default.
- Micro E-mini Nasdaq (MNQ)
- Opening drive + midday + close
- Stop & target on every trade
The strategies
Vortex and Cipher: two windows of the Nasdaq day
Vortex
Built for the opening drive, when Nasdaq futures move fastest. Vortex waits for the fast Vortex line to agree with the slower DASIG lines before it commits.
- Only trades the first minutes of the New York session
- Long and short
- Optional full-size NQ template for a separate, larger account
Cipher
Cipher uses the Cipher signal indicator with the DASIG trend squares to find momentum after the morning rush. It runs in two blocks with their own templates.
- Midday block: 10:59 AM – 3:29 PM ET
- Close block: 3:29 – 3:59 PM ET
- Long and short
Why automate it
Nasdaq futures move fast. Automation doesn’t flinch.
The Nasdaq-100 is one of the most active futures markets in the world, and its biggest moves often come right after the 9:30 AM ET open. That’s exactly when manual traders hesitate, chase or freeze.
Vortex and Cipher take the same action every time the conditions line up, attach the stop and target immediately, and leave the market alone outside their windows.
Running on micro contracts keeps the dollar risk per trade small, which matters when several strategies share one account. See how this fits prop firm rules.
Contract facts
| Contract | Symbol | Tick | Tick value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 | MNQ | 0.25 pt | $0.50 |
| E-mini Nasdaq-100 | NQ | 0.25 pt | $5.00 |
Exchange contract specifications from CME Group. Margins and fees depend on your broker or prop firm.
NQ automation questions
Can I run Vortex on the full-size NQ contract?
Yes. AutoEntry includes a separate NQ template for Vortex. We recommend running it on its own account because one NQ contract carries ten times the risk of one MNQ contract.
Do Vortex and Cipher trade at the same time?
No. Vortex finishes its window at 9:47 AM ET, and Cipher starts at 10:59 AM ET, so they don’t compete for the same move.
What chart do the NQ strategies use?
They run on a 1-minute chart of the instrument they trade. The course shows the exact setup.
Can I trade the DASIG signals on NQ by hand?
Yes. The DASIG indicators are included, so you can use the same lines for manual trading.
Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss. Automated strategies can and do lose, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Read the risk disclosure.
Put the system to work on your account
Strategies, indicators, ATM templates, training and the live community for $350 a month. Cancel anytime.