FTSE 100 Index Futures Margin & Contract Specifications

What Are FTSE 100 Index Futures?

FTSE 100 Index Futures (FTUK) are futures contracts based on the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index, commonly known as the FTSE 100. The FTSE 100 is composed of the 100 largest companies by market capitalization listed on the London Stock Exchange. Its constituents are predominantly large multinational firms in sectors such as energy, financials, and mining, giving the index strong linkage to global commodity prices and the global economy. As such, it is a key benchmark for observing European equity markets.

FTSE 100 Index Futures (FTUK) are traded on Eurex. The FTUK contract specifications are almost identical to those of FTSE 100 Index Futures (FFI). FTUK is primarily designed to attract institutional investors who already trade German or broader European index futures.
By contrast, FTSE 100 Index Futures (FFI) are traded on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), where the vast majority of global trading volume and institutional hedging positions are concentrated.

Factors Affecting the Price of the FTSE 100 Index

1. Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions in the UK and Europe

While FTSE 100 constituents are mainly UK-based, they also include companies operating across Germany, France, Italy, and other European countries. Consequently, monetary policy and economic conditions in both the UK and the euro area influence index performance.
Strong data—such as GDP growth, industrial production, PMI, and retail sales—in the UK and Europe generally support index gains.
However, if inflation (CPI) in the UK or euro area comes in above expectations, markets may anticipate prolonged high interest rates or further rate hikes. Higher rates raise corporate financing costs and are typically negative for the index.

2. British Pound and Euro Exchange Rates

Most FTSE 100 constituents are multinational companies—such as Shell, HSBC, and Unilever—that earn a large portion of their revenues in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. When these earnings are converted back into pounds sterling or euros, a weaker local currency boosts reported profits in local terms, providing short-term support for share prices and the index.

3. Global Market Linkages

Global equity markets are highly interconnected. Sharp rallies or sell-offs in U.S. equities often spill over into European markets.
For example, when the U.S. Federal Reserve raises interest rates, widening U.S.–EU or U.S.–UK interest rate differentials, capital may flow toward the United States, putting pressure on the FTSE 100 due to capital outflows.
Within the FTSE 100, mining and energy stocks are highly dependent on Chinese industrial demand, while pharmaceuticals and consumer goods are strongly influenced by the U.S. market. As a result, developments in both China and the United States significantly affect index performance.

4. Corporate Earnings and Financial Reports

The FTSE 100’s largest sector weights are financials, energy, basic materials, pharmaceuticals, and consumer staples. When leading companies in these sectors—such as AstraZeneca and Diageo—report strong earnings, positive outlooks, and solid cash flows, the index typically rises. Conversely, major regulatory changes or disappointing earnings in these sectors can place significant pressure on the index.

5. Global Commodity Prices

A substantial portion of the FTSE 100’s weight lies in energy and mining stocks. Rising prices for crude oil, base metals (such as copper and iron ore), or gold significantly improve earnings expectations for these heavyweight companies, directly lifting the index.

6. Market Sentiment and Geopolitical Risks

Political developments within the EU—such as elections or budget disputes—as well as geopolitical events like the Ukraine war or energy crises, can rapidly shift market risk appetite. During such periods, investor sentiment often turns defensive, prompting capital to rotate out of equities and into safe-haven assets such as gold or government bonds, placing heavy selling pressure on the FTSE 100 Index.

FTSE 100 Index Futures Margin

How much money is needed to trade futures? At the beginning, the required margin is the initial margin. While holding a position, the margin after deducting floating profits and losses must remain above the maintenance margin; otherwise, a margin call will be issued. For day-trading margin, only half of the margin is required, provided the position is closed before the market closes.

Foreign Futures

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contract Specifications

Here is a summary for traders of the contract specifications, exchange, trading hours, minimum price fluctuation, and available trading months for FTSE 100 Index FuturesFutures.

FTSE 100 Index FuturesLast Trading Day

Futures