Does SPY follow ES Futures? – Correlation Explained
Yes, the SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF) tends to closely follow the movements of the ES (E-mini S&P 500 futures contract).
The ES futures contract is based on the S&P 500 index and is a popular instrument for trading the broader market. The SPY ETF, on the other hand, is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 index.
Related: Backtested futures strategies for sale
However, the CME contract (@ES) is traded 23-hours on CME. Thus, the close and open are very different from SPY. When you are backtesting or trading, or both, you need to be aware of that. If you have backtested a profitable S&P 500 strategy on SPY, you need to backtest the futures contract that has the same opening hours as SPY. In Tradestation, that is @ES.D.
Key Takeaways:
- SPY ETF closely follows ES Futures movements due to shared underlying asset, the S&P 500 index.
- Market conditions, economic indicators, and geopolitical events can influence the SPY-ES relationship.
- The ES Futures’ 23-hour trading on CME versus SPY’s market hours necessitates careful strategy backtesting.
- Understanding the strong correlation between SPY and ES is crucial for making informed trading and investment decisions.
Since both the ES futures contract and the SPY ETF are based on the S&P 500 index, they generally move in tandem. Changes in the ES futures contract’s price and volume can provide insights into market sentiment and are often used by traders to gauge the direction of the overall market. As a result, many investors and traders consider the movement of ES futures when analyzing the SPY and vice versa.
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Correlation between SPY ETF and ES Futures
The SPY and ES demonstrate a strong correlation due to their shared underlying asset, the S&P 500 index. This correlation means that when the ES futures contract experiences price movements, the SPY ETF tends to follow suit. This relationship makes it crucial for investors and traders to monitor the ES futures contract as it can provide valuable insights into the potential direction of the SPY and the broader market.
Factors Influencing the SPY-ES Relationship
While the ETF SPY and ES Futures generally move in tandem, it is important to recognize that other factors can influence their relationship. Market conditions, economic indicators, geopolitical events, and investor sentiment can impact the correlation between the two instruments. For example, during periods of heightened volatility or significant news announcements, the correlation may temporarily weaken as market participants adjust their positions. It is therefore advisable to consider these additional factors alongside the SPY-ES relationship when analyzing and making investment decisions.
What is the SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF)?
The SPY is an exchange-traded fund tracking the S&P 500 index, while the ES is an E-mini S&P 500 futures contract. Both are linked to the S&P 500 and often move together, making them popular instruments for trading the broader market.
What is the correlation between the SPY ETF and ES Futures, and why does it exist?
The SPY and ES exhibit a strong correlation due to their shared underlying asset, the S&P 500 index. This means that when the ES experiences price movements, the SPY tends to follow suit, making it crucial for investors to monitor both instruments.
How does the correlation between SPY and ES impact trading and investment decisions?
The strong correlation between SPY and ES means that changes in one can provide insights into potential movements in the other. Traders and investors often use the ES’s movements to make informed decisions about the SPY and the broader market.