The S&P 500 is a widely watched stock index. It shows the performance of 500 large U.S. companies. Many investors follow S&P 500 futures, or SP500 futures, to get early clues about the market. ETFs like SPY and VOO allow traders to invest in the index easily.
This guide explains:
What S&P 500 futures are and how they work
Differences between SPY stock and VOO stock
How the S&P 500 relates to the Dow Jones and futures
How to read futures and market news
Where to find trustworthy updates like MarketWatch and CNN futures
What Are S&P 500 Futures?
S&P 500 futures are financial tools used for betting on where the index will go in the future. These contracts are traded on exchanges like the CME Group. Traders use them to hedge risks or aim for profits.
Main features of S&P 500 futures
Early Signs: They trade almost 24 hours, giving an early look at market direction.
Small Investment, Big Control: Traders can manage large positions with less money.
Liquidity: High trading volume keeps prices tight and trading smooth.
Types of S&P 500 Futures
E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES) are the most common, with a contract worth $50 times the index.
Micro E-mini S&P 500 Futures (MES) are smaller, worth $5 times the index. Ideal for retail traders.
Tracking these futures on sites like MarketWatch or CNN helps traders see possible market moves.
SPY vs. VOO: Which ETF Is Better?
Both SPY and VOO track the S&P 500. They differ in cost and trading style.
Feature SPY Stock VOO Stock
Expense Ratio 0.0945% 0.03%
Liquidity Very high High
Best For Active traders Long-term investors
Why choose SPY? It trades more often, making options easier and spreads tighter.
Why choose VOO? It charges lower fees and offers better tax benefits for long-term holders.
Both give good exposure to the S&P 500. Your choice depends on how you trade.
The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Futures
The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average are the two main U.S. markets.
Differences include:
Number of Companies S&P 500 has 500. Dow Jones has 30.
Method of Calculation Market cap for S&P 500. Price-based for Dow.
Focus Large stocks mostly in the S&P 500. Blue-chip stocks in Dow.
Dow futures show early market hints but S&P 500 futures are broader and more detailed.
How to Read Futures and News
Watching futures helps predict how the market will open.
Bullish signals
Futures rise and the news is positive. The market may rally.
Bearish signals
Futures fall and the news is negative. A sell-off could happen.
Where to Follow Futures
MarketWatch offers live futures data.
CNN futures provide headlines that move markets.
CME Group shows official futures prices.
Knowing about S&P 500 futures and ETFs like SPY and VOO is important for trading. Tracking Dow futures, S&P 500 trends, and news helps investors make better choices.
