callmeput,
cool nick yo.
tick size should be multiplied by volatility. When the NQ moves 1 point, the YM moves around 4 points, and the ES moves about 0.5 point. Therefore, the costs are equal.
Many times one contract is more volatile than the other, e.g. nasdaq is weak so the NQ drops more than the YM. However there is no consistency here - sometimes the NQ is more volatile, sometimes the ES, and sometimes the YM. Even on the same day - if nasdaq is weak and the market leans, NQ will move more. Then if the market coils back up - YM will move more, since Dow is stronger.
One thing about the YM is that it's very fast (due to low volume I believe) - it overshoots a lot and it starts to move early. That does not imply that it predicts the NQ and ES. It just moves, and if the ES and NQ don't confirm, it simply comes back (i.e. - overshoots). The ES is the absolute leader imho.
Anyway, you are paying the same for all contracts on average.
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