Analysis of NQ Futures Contract Roll from Dec 2025 to Mar 2026

This analysis is based on a Reddit discussion [1] where a new futures trader using NinjaTrader paper trades inquires about transitioning from NQ Dec 2025 (NQZ25) to Mar 2026 (NQH26) contracts. Key findings:

1. NinjaTrader Contract Roll Process
   : Unlike most brokers that auto-roll positions, NinjaTrader requires manual rollover. Traders must close positions in the expiring contract and open new positions in the upcoming contract [0]. This aligns with NinjaTrader’s guidance that rollover is executed manually [3].

2. Recommended Roll Date
   : The NQ rollover to Mar 2026 is confirmed as Monday, December 15, 2025 [2], which falls the Monday before the contract’s expiration (third Friday, December 19, 2025)—a standard roll window for futures.

3. Contract Suitability for New Traders
   : A Reddit comment incorrectly suggested “MES” (Micro E-mini S&P 500) for new traders, but the appropriate micro contract for the Nasdaq 100 is MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100, $2 per point). MNQ’s smaller size reduces risk per point movement, making it more suitable for inexperienced traders [0].

4. Rollover Timing Tools
   : The CME website (Roll Analyzer, education section) and Bar Chart’s Most Active Futures data are recommended to identify when volume shifts from the expiring to new contract [4].

• New NinjaTrader users must proactively manage manual rollover to avoid unintended positions in expiring contracts.
• The contract recommendation typo (MES instead of MNQ) highlights the importance of verifying contract symbols to match the intended market (Nasdaq 100 vs. S&P 500).
• Volume comparison and CME’s tools ensure rollover timing aligns with market activity, reducing execution risk.

• New traders may overlook NinjaTrader’s manual roll requirement, leading to positions in expiring contracts with heightened volatility or unexpected settlement.
• Choosing the wrong contract (e.g., MES instead of MNQ) mismatches risk exposure with the intended market (Nasdaq 100).

• MNQ allows new traders to gain Nasdaq 100 futures experience with lower per-point risk.
• CME and Bar Chart tools help align rollover with market volume, optimizing execution timing.

• NQ Rollover Date
  : December 15, 2025 (standard window: Monday before third Friday expiration).
• NinjaTrader Roll Process
  : Manual (close old positions, open new ones).
• Recommended Contract for New Traders
  : MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100).
• Rollover Tools
  : CME Roll Analyzer, Bar Chart Most Active Futures.