NQ Futures Contract Rollover Dates Explained Simply
If you trade NQ futures, understanding contract rollover dates is essential. Futures contracts don’t last forever — they expire quarterly. To stay in the market, you must roll over to the next active contract before expiry.
This article breaks down how rollover works, when it happens, and what traders should do.
What Is a Futures Rollover?
A rollover occurs when traders move their open positions from an expiring futures contract to a new one. This helps maintain continuous exposure without letting the current contract expire.
NQ Futures Expiry Cycle
NQ futures follow a standard quarterly expiration cycle, aligned with the CME calendar.
Contracts expire in the March (H), June (M), September (U), and December (Z) months — referred to as the “H-M-U-Z cycle.”
For example:
- March Contract: NQH25
- June Contract: NQM25
- September Contract: NQU25
- December Contract: NQZ25
When Does the Rollover Happen?
The official expiration date is the third Friday of the contract month, but most traders roll over on the preceding Thursday when volume starts shifting to the next contract.
| Contract Month | Typical Rollover Week (2025 Example) |
|---|---|
| March (H) | March 13–14, 2025 |
| June (M) | June 12–13, 2025 |
| September (U) | September 11–12, 2025 |
| December (Z) | December 11–12, 2025 |
Always confirm exact dates on the CME calendar or your broker’s contract specifications.
What Indian Traders Should Know
- Check when volume starts shifting to the next contract (available on TradingView and CME)
- Avoid trading during rollover days if spreads widen or volatility is low
- Update your charts and positions to the new contract to avoid data gaps
How to Roll Over Manually
- Close your current position in the near-expiry contract
- Open a new position with the same direction and size in the next contract month
- Check that both trades occur at similar market prices to minimize slippage
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FAQs
1. When do NQ futures contracts expire?
They expire on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December.
2. What does NQH25 mean?
NQ = Nasdaq-100 futures, H = March, 25 = Year 2025.
3. When should I roll over my contract?
Most traders roll over on the Thursday before expiration, when volume shifts.
4. Do all brokers handle rollover automatically?
Not always. Some brokers require manual rollover, especially for active traders.
5. Can I continue holding the expiring contract until it expires?
Technically yes, but liquidity drops, and spreads widen, making it risky.
