Keep the underlying and contract separate
Record the market, product type, actual contract and quantity. A continuous chart does not identify the exact expiry contract you traded. A journal should preserve that identity through a rollover.
Compare on a consistent basis
The same tick count represents different dollar amounts in NQ, MNQ, ES and MES. Compare both price movement in ticks and results after costs. Each market page connects contract specifications with a calculator and a practical journal workflow.
Sources and methodology
- CME Group · E-mini Nasdaq-100 ↗
- CME Group · E-mini S&P 500 ↗
- CME Group · Micro E-mini contract specifications ↗
Worked examples are original and synthetic. Verify contract specifications with the provider before use.