Lucid Trading Approved Products Explained: What You Can Trade & Why

Lucid Trading approves 36 futures contracts spanning equity indices, foreign exchange, energy, metals, and agriculture. The list balances liquidity requirements, risk management standards, and trader accessibility through both full-size and micro contracts. Understanding which products you can trade, and why certain contracts make the list while others remain excluded, matters for strategy selection, commission costs, and position sizing. Many traders discover their preferred instrument is not approved only after purchasing an evaluation, forcing strategy adjustments or evaluation refunds.

I have run both LucidFlex and LucidPro across this product list and withdrawn $24,000 across 30 payout cycles, making Lucid PTV's flagship firm. The product list reads cleanly for index-and-energy traders but excludes several popular categories worth knowing in advance. This guide breaks down every approved product, commission structure by asset class, strategic implications for different trading styles, and how Lucid's product availability compares to competitors.

Complete approved product list

The 36 approved contracts span five asset classes. The full table below maps every contract to its asset class, commission per side, and notes on use case.

Equity index futures (9 contracts)

ES (S&P 500), NQ (Nasdaq-100), RTY (Russell 2000), YM (Dow), NKD (Nikkei/USD) at $1.75 commission per side. Micros (MES, MNQ, M2K, MYM) at $0.50 per side. ES and NQ dominate volume on the platform, providing the deepest order books and tightest spreads. ES trades over 3 million contracts daily across the broader market, giving funded accounts consistent execution without slippage concerns. Micros allow smaller accounts to trade identical markets with proportional risk.

Foreign exchange futures (7 contracts)

6A (Australian Dollar), 6B (British Pound), 6C (Canadian Dollar), 6E (Euro FX), 6J (Japanese Yen), 6S (Swiss Franc), 6N (New Zealand Dollar) at $2.40 per side. Seven major currency futures against USD. Notable absence: no micro forex contracts despite CME availability, which raises the minimum capital requirement for FX strategies on Lucid.

Energy futures (5 contracts)

CL (Crude Oil) at $2.00, MCL (Micro Crude) at $0.50, QM (E-mini Crude) at $2.00, NG (Natural Gas) at $2.00, QG (E-mini Natural Gas) at $1.30. CL is highly volatile at $1,000 per point of full-size move; MCL and QM provide scaling options. Natural gas trades with extreme volatility during weather events and storage reports.

Metals futures (5 contracts)

GC (Gold) at $2.30, MGC (Micro Gold) at $0.80, SI (Silver) at $2.30, PL (Platinum) at $2.30, HG (Copper) at $2.30. Gold and silver are the most liquid metals on the list. Palladium is excluded despite being a platinum group metal, likely due to extreme volatility and lower liquidity.

Agriculture futures (7 contracts)

ZS (Soybeans), ZC (Corn), ZW (Wheat), ZL (Soybean Oil), ZM (Soybean Meal), LE (Live Cattle), HE (Lean Hogs) at $2.80 per side across the category. The full soybean crush spread (ZS vs ZL/ZM) is supported. Higher commissions require larger profit targets for positive expectancy on high-frequency strategies.

Commission structure and cost impact

Commissions range from $0.50 to $2.80 per side. The round-trip cost is double the per-side figure. The table below maps round-trip costs across instrument categories and what they imply for strategy economics.

What the commission delta does to net P&L

A scalping strategy averaging $50 profit per trade across 100 trades generates $5,000 gross. On MES, $100 commission leaves $4,900 net (98% retention). On ES, $350 commission leaves $4,650 net (93% retention). On ZS, $560 commission leaves $4,440 net (88.8% retention). The delta between MES and ZS is $460 over 100 trades, nearly 10% of gross. For high-frequency strategies running 20+ trades daily, commission structure becomes a primary factor in net profitability.

Breakeven win rates

Commission changes the required win rate for breakeven assuming equal profit and loss per trade. At $50 target and $50 stop: MES at $1.00 round-trip needs 51% win rate; ES at $3.50 needs 53.5%; ZS at $5.60 needs 55.6%. Higher commissions require proportionally higher win rates or larger profit targets to maintain positive expectancy.

Why these products are approved

Lucid applies four approval criteria. Liquidity: sufficient daily volume and open interest for retail entry and exit without excessive slippage. Standardization: all contracts trade on major regulated exchanges (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX). Risk management: predictable margin requirements and volatility profiles. Data integration: reliable real-time feeds through supported platforms (Tradovate, Rithmic, CQG).

Notable exclusions and why they are off the list

• Treasury futures (ZN, ZB, ZF, ZT): complex correlation with equities and interest rate sensitivity that complicates risk modeling.
• Bitcoin futures (BTC, MBT): extreme volatility, weekend trading, regulatory uncertainty in the futures-prop space.
• VIX futures: unique contango and backwardation dynamics, expiry-roll mechanics, risk management challenges.
• Micro forex: despite CME availability, only full-size approved at Lucid.
• Soft commodities: no cotton, cocoa, coffee, or sugar due to lower liquidity and higher volatility.
• Palladium: excluded from the platinum group despite PL approval.

Lucid approves products where typical retail strategies have proven effective. Niche or volatile instruments get excluded to maintain consistent risk parameters across the funded book.

Evaluation vs funded: no product restrictions

All 36 products are available in both evaluation and funded phases. No restrictions change between challenge and live account, so traders can run their actual strategy without adapting between phases.

Position limits apply based on account size. A $50K account might cap at 10 ES contracts or 100 MES contracts, scaling with account size for drawdown protection. The position limits are visible on the trader dashboard and enforced at the platform layer.

Strategic product selection by trader profile

New traders

Start with ES, NQ, and their micros (MES, MNQ). Highest liquidity, tightest spreads, most third-party educational content, lowest commission impact relative to typical profit targets. The Lucid drawdown envelope is forgiving on micro positions, which makes them the right starting point on a $25K or $50K account.

Scalpers

Favor micros at $0.50-$0.80 commissions to minimize cost drag on small targets. Avoid agriculture at $2.80 unless targets justify the higher round-trip cost. MES, MNQ, and MCL are the best scalping instruments on the list.

Swing traders

Full-size contracts (ES, NQ, CL, GC) work better. Overnight holds already incur exchange fees, and slightly higher commissions matter less on multi-hundred-dollar targets per trade. The Lucid EOD trailing mechanic accommodates overnight holds without compressing the drawdown room.

Fundamental traders

Energy (CL, NG) and agriculture (ZS, ZC, ZW) offer exposure to inventory reports, weather patterns, and supply disruptions. These instruments require product-specific fundamental knowledge but reward traders who track the EIA crude inventory and USDA crop reports closely.

Correlation traders

The approved list supports calendar spreads, inter-commodity spreads (ZS/ZL/ZM crush), and cross-market pairs (ES/NQ, GC/SI). Ensure both legs of any spread use approved contracts. Treasury-vs-equity spreads are not available since Treasuries are excluded.

How Lucid compares to peer firms on product breadth

Lucid sits in the 'comprehensive approval' tier. Not the most expansive list (Apex includes international futures and Bitcoin) but broader than index-focused firms (Take Profit Trader).

Platform considerations

All 36 contracts are available on all supported platforms (Tradovate, Rithmic, CQG, and others available through the Lucid dashboard). Product availability is consistent across platforms.

Data feed costs

Platforms may charge separately for exchange data subscriptions. CME data covers ES, NQ, and FX futures; COMEX covers metals; NYMEX covers energy; CBOT covers grains. Calculate total monthly data costs when selecting products, particularly if you trade across multiple exchanges. Tradovate bundles many feeds in its standard pricing; Rithmic charges per feed in some configurations.

Order type compatibility

Advanced orders (OCO brackets, trailing stops, server-side stops) vary by platform. Match product choice to platform capabilities. For high-frequency MES scalping, low-latency platform routing matters more than for swing trading on CL or GC.

Common mistakes when selecting Lucid products

• Assuming Bitcoin futures are available because they trade on CME: they are not on the Lucid approved list.
• Assuming Treasury futures are available because Topstep includes them: Lucid excludes ZN, ZB, ZF, ZT.
• Sizing a position on the wrong micro vs full-size pair and exceeding the position limit.
• Trading agriculture with scalping-targets without adjusting for the $5.60 round-trip commission.
• Defaulting to ES when a strategy is better suited to MES on a smaller account.
• Not factoring data feed subscription costs into total cost of operation.

my product mix across 30 payout cycles

I have run both LucidFlex and LucidPro programs across this product list and withdrawn $24,000 across 30 payout cycles. The product mix has emphasized ES and NQ during US session, with crude oil (CL) for breakout setups around inventory reports. Micros (MES, MNQ) feature heavily in the smaller LucidDirect account context where position sizing math benefits from the 1/10th contract.

The agriculture group has been underused. The $5.60 round-trip cost on grains compresses the available edge on day-trading targets, and the seasonal volatility requires fundamental positioning that does not fit my intraday momentum focus. For traders with commodity-focused strategies, the agriculture list is comprehensive and worth using; for index-focused traders, it can be ignored without losing functionality.

Position sizing by approved instrument

Position sizing on Lucid's drawdown envelope varies meaningfully by instrument. The table below walks through 1-contract risk per instrument with typical ATR-based stop distances.

On a $50K Lucid account, the 1% per-trade anchor is approximately $500. Single contracts on ES, NQ, CL, and ZS sit at or just under that anchor. Gold (GC) at $600 per single contract exceeds the anchor, which is why MGC (Micro Gold at 1/10th) is the right scaling option for gold-focused strategies on smaller accounts.

Strategic implications of the EOD trailing

Lucid's EOD trailing only trails up, never down. The MLL locks once it reaches starting balance, after which the account becomes un-breachable below starting balance through trailing mechanics. This is materially friendlier than intraday-trailing mechanisms at peer firms.

Pre-lock phase

Before the MLL locks at starting balance, the trailing is active. Spiking equity in a single strong session tightens the trail proportionally, which means the next-day drawdown room is compressed. The right pattern is steady accumulation toward the lock rather than spike sessions.

Post-lock phase

After the MLL locks at starting balance, the account becomes harder to lose to ordinary volatility. Strategy posture can shift from peak-protective to opportunity-capture. This is the operational pivot that Lucid's mechanic is designed to enable, and it favors traders who can survive long enough to reach the lock.

Commission-aware strategy selection

Commission structure interacts with strategy selection in important ways. The table below maps strategy type to commission optimization.

my instrument focus across 30 cycles

I have traded ES, NQ, MES, MNQ, and crude oil (CL) as the primary instruments across LucidFlex and LucidPro programs, withdrawing $24,000 across 30 payout cycles. The product mix has emphasized intraday momentum during US session on indices, with crude oil for breakout setups around weekly inventory reports.

Forex futures (6E, 6B) have been underused in my mix because the $2.40 commission per side on small directional moves compresses edge. Agriculture (ZS, ZC) has also been underused for the same commission reason. The takeaway is that Lucid's product list is comprehensive enough to support many strategies, but individual traders typically converge on 3-5 core instruments rather than rotating across all 36.

Common product-selection mistakes

• Trading agriculture with scalping-target sizes without adjusting for the $5.60 round-trip cost.
• Defaulting to ES when a $25K account benefits more from MES sizing.
• Assuming Bitcoin futures are available because they trade on CME, when they are not on the Lucid list.
• Trying to trade Treasury futures and discovering mid-evaluation that they are excluded.
• Mixing forex futures with equity index strategies without adjusting for the higher per-side cost.
• Using palladium-correlated strategies under the assumption PA is approved (it is not).

Final operational checklist

1. Confirm your primary instruments are on the 36-contract approved list.
2. Calculate per-trade commission cost against your typical profit target.
3. Verify position limits for your account size on the trader dashboard.
4. Plan for the EOD trailing during the pre-lock phase with steady-accumulation pacing.
5. Shift posture to opportunity-capture after the MLL locks at starting balance.
6. Default to MES/MNQ for scalping, ES/NQ for day trading, CL/GC for swing.

Drawdown room by account size: a working table

Lucid's drawdown envelope varies by account size. The table below maps starting balance, MLL distance, and per-trade sizing on the most common Lucid account sizes.

Spread trading on the approved list

Lucid's approved list supports several spread structures. The most common are calendar spreads (same instrument, different expiry), inter-commodity spreads (ZS vs ZL or ZM in the soybean crush), and cross-market pairs (ES vs NQ, GC vs SI). Both legs must use approved contracts; partial spreads involving excluded contracts (Treasury vs ES) are not viable on Lucid.

Data feed cost calculation

Most platforms charge separately for exchange data subscriptions. Lucid traders typically pay $25-$80 per month in feed costs depending on which exchanges they trade. The table below maps typical feed costs by exchange.

For traders running ES/NQ/MES/MNQ only, the CME feed at ~$20/month is sufficient. Traders running cross-asset strategies (indices plus energy plus metals) typically pay $50-$60/month across multiple subscriptions. Calculate total monthly data costs into your operating budget, particularly for new traders where the data subscription can be 20-30% of monthly profit on small accounts.

Lucid's product list in the context of 2026 prop trading

Lucid's 36-product approved list reflects a 'curated breadth' philosophy. Not the maximum possible product list (Apex includes Bitcoin and DAX), and not the minimum (Take Profit Trader focuses heavily on equity indices). The Lucid approach trades comprehensive coverage for risk-managed product selection.

The exclusions tell a story. Treasuries are excluded because of interest-rate sensitivity that complicates the drawdown mechanic. Bitcoin is excluded because of weekend volatility that breaks the EOD trailing model. VIX is excluded because of contango decay that produces account losses on holding. Soft commodities are excluded because of lower liquidity and higher slippage. Each exclusion is defensible given the firm's risk framework.

Position sizing examples by strategy

To make the product selection concrete, here are three sample strategies and the position sizing math that applies on a Lucid $50K account.

Scalping strategy: MES, 20 trades/day, 5-point profit target

Per-trade risk at 1% of $50K is $500. MES at $5/point gives 100 points of stop distance equivalent, but practical sizing limits stops to 8-10 points. Position size: 8 contracts. Daily commission: 20 trades x 2 sides x 8 contracts x $0.50 = $160. Daily commission as % of typical profit ($5 target x 8 contracts x 20 trades x 60% win rate hit = approximately $480 gross): 33%. This is workable but commission-heavy.

Day trading strategy: ES, 3 trades/day, 10-point profit target

Per-trade risk at 1% of $50K is $500. ES at $50/point gives 10 points of stop distance. Position size: 1 contract. Daily commission: 3 trades x 2 sides x 1 contract x $1.75 = $10.50. Daily commission as % of typical profit ($10 target x 1 contract x 3 trades x 60% win rate hit = $180 gross): 5.8%. This is structurally favorable.

Swing trading strategy: CL, 2-3 trades/week, 80-point profit target

Per-trade risk at 1% of $50K is $500. CL at $10/point gives 50 points of stop distance, conservative on the typical CL ATR. Position size: 1 contract. Weekly commission: 3 trades x 2 sides x 1 contract x $2.00 = $12. Weekly commission as % of typical profit ($80 target x 1 contract x 3 trades x 55% win rate hit = approximately $660 gross): 1.8%. This is the most commission-efficient setup.

Verifying instrument approval before evaluation

The 36-instrument list is stable but can be adjusted by Lucid based on operational considerations. Before any evaluation, verify the current approved list at the Lucid help center. Three instruments worth checking specifically: anything newly listed on CME (which may take time to reach Lucid approval), micro contracts for instruments where micros are newer additions, and any instrument that has had recent regulatory or exchange changes.

The platform layer also matters. All approved instruments are available on Tradovate and Rithmic by default. Some less-common instruments may require platform-specific data subscriptions or routing. Confirm at the dashboard before assuming an instrument is tradeable on your specific account configuration.

Three product-selection profiles

Profile 1: the index-focused day trader

Trades ES and NQ during US cash session, occasionally MES and MNQ for finer position sizing. Holds 3-5 positions per day, targets 8-12 points per trade. Commission cost is modest ($3.50 round-trip on ES). Profile fit: excellent. This is the default Lucid trader and the segment the firm is most clearly built for.

Profile 2: the macro-driven swing trader

Trades CL and GC on a 2-3 day timeframe, holds through overnight sessions, targets 50-100 point moves. Commission is immaterial against multi-hundred-dollar profit targets. The EOD trailing mechanic accommodates overnight positions cleanly. Profile fit: very good. The EOD lock-up-only feature makes Lucid better-suited for swing trading than firms with intraday trailing.

Profile 3: the multi-asset spread trader

Trades ZS/ZL/ZM crush spreads, ES/NQ pair, gold-silver ratio. Multiple legs per setup, frequent rebalancing. Commission compounds (multiple legs at agricultural $2.80/side). Profile fit: workable but commission-heavy. Strategy must produce per-leg edge above commission cost; high single-side edge is required for the multi-leg structure to remain profitable.

Product list evolution and what to watch in 2026

Lucid's 36-product list has been stable through 2025 and into 2026, but exchange and regulatory changes can shift the list. Three vectors worth watching: new micro contracts (CME has been expanding the micro range across asset classes), regulatory changes to Bitcoin futures access (a change in CFTC posture could change Lucid's stance), and any Treasury futures inclusion (currently excluded but a possible future addition if the firm builds Treasury-compatible drawdown mechanics).

For traders building strategies around specific instruments, verify the product is still on the approved list before each evaluation purchase. The platform dashboard reflects the current approved list, but the firm-side documentation can sometimes lag the dashboard by a few days during product updates. The MFFU rules overview is a parallel reference; the same disciplined verification applies to Lucid's product list.

Bottom line

Lucid Trading's 36 approved products provide comprehensive futures market access across five asset classes. The list balances liquidity, standardization, and risk management while supporting diverse strategies from scalping to fundamental analysis. Equity indices (ES, NQ, RTY, YM plus micros) offer highest liquidity and lowest commission impact, ideal for most retail traders. Energy (CL, NG) suits fundamental and volatility strategies. Metals (GC, SI) provide safe-haven exposure. Forex (6E, 6B) enables currency strategies without spot forex complications.

Commission structure from $0.50 to $2.80 per side directly impacts profitability. Scalpers benefit from micros; swing traders absorb higher commissions for better per-trade potential. Notable exclusions (Treasuries, Bitcoin, VIX, soft commodities, micro forex) reflect Lucid's focus on liquid, standardized contracts with predictable risk profiles.

Before evaluation, calculate commission costs versus profit targets, ensure liquidity during your trading session, and verify strategy works within position limits. The right product choice is not 'what can I trade' but 'what should I trade given strategy, timeframe, and commission sensitivity.' Start with ES, NQ, MES, MNQ; prove profitability; expand to specialized products as the account scales.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many futures contracts does Lucid Trading allow?

Lucid Trading permits 36 CME-approved futures contracts across equity indices, energy, metals, forex, and agricultural markets. This is a curated list rather than full CME access. Several common contracts including Bitcoin futures, VIX futures, and Treasury futures are explicitly excluded. The full approved list is documented in the Lucid Trading knowledge base.

Can I trade the ES and NQ on Lucid Trading?

Yes. ES (S&P 500 futures) and NQ (Nasdaq-100 futures) are both on Lucid's approved product list, along with their micro equivalents MES and MNQ. These are among the most actively traded contracts at Lucid. Micro contracts are popular on smaller accounts for finer position sizing relative to the drawdown limits.

What energy futures can I trade at Lucid Trading?

Lucid Trading approves Crude Oil (CL), Micro Crude Oil (MCL), E-mini Crude (QM), Natural Gas (NG), and E-mini Natural Gas (QG). CL is one of the most volatile contracts on the list. Commission costs and spread should factor into per-trade risk calculation given the drawdown constraints. MCL is a 1/10th size alternative.

Are micro futures available on Lucid Trading?

Yes. Lucid Trading supports a full range of micro futures including MES (Micro E-mini S&P), MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq), MYM (Micro Dow), M2K (Micro Russell), MCL (Micro Crude Oil), MGC (Micro Gold), and others. Micro contracts are ideal for scaling positions, managing risk on smaller accounts, and learning execution patterns.

Can I trade gold and silver futures at Lucid Trading?

Yes. Gold (GC) and Silver (SI) are both on the approved product list. GC is one of the highest-margin contracts available and requires careful position sizing relative to drawdown limits. MGC (Micro Gold) is also available as a lower-margin alternative. Platinum (PL) is included; palladium is not on the approved list.

Can I trade forex futures on Lucid Trading?

Yes. Lucid Trading approves several CME forex futures including Euro (6E), Japanese Yen (6J), British Pound (6B), Australian Dollar (6A), Canadian Dollar (6C), Swiss Franc (6S), and New Zealand Dollar (6N). These are exchange-traded currency futures, not spot forex or CFDs. Execution routes through Tradovate or Rithmic like any other CME contract.

Can I trade Bitcoin futures at Lucid Trading?

No. Bitcoin futures (BTC and MBT) are explicitly excluded from Lucid Trading's approved product list. Micro Bitcoin futures are also not permitted. If you trade crypto futures, you need a separate prop firm or personal account. Apex Trader Funding allows Bitcoin futures and is a common alternative for crypto-curious traders.

Can I trade VIX futures at Lucid Trading?

No. VIX futures are not on Lucid Trading's approved product list. This is a common exclusion among futures prop firms due to the unique behavior of VIX contracts including contango decay and the inability to hold through expiry the way equity futures roll. Volatility exposure is available indirectly through ES and NQ if that is the intent.

Can I trade Treasury futures at Lucid Trading?

No. Treasury futures including ZN (10-Year Note), ZB (30-Year Bond), ZF (5-Year Note), and ZT (2-Year Note) are not on Lucid Trading's approved product list. This is one of the more notable exclusions. Fixed-income futures traders should look at Topstep, which includes Treasuries, as the closer alternative for that strategy class.

What agricultural futures can I trade at Lucid Trading?

Lucid Trading approves Soybeans (ZS), Corn (ZC), Wheat (ZW), Soybean Oil (ZL), Soybean Meal (ZM), Live Cattle (LE), and Lean Hogs (HE). The full soybean crush spread (ZS vs ZL/ZM) is supported. Soft commodities (cotton, cocoa, coffee, sugar) are not on the list.

What are the commission rates on Lucid Trading?

Commission rates vary by contract. Micros are $0.50-$0.80 per side; E-mini indices are $1.75; energy is $1.30-$2.00; metals are $2.30; forex is $2.40; agriculture is $2.80. Round-trip cost is double the per-side figure. Factor commissions into per-trade P&L calculation, particularly on high-frequency strategies where they compound fast.

Does Lucid Trading allow trading all 36 approved contracts on the same account simultaneously?

Yes. There is no restriction on which approved contracts you trade in a single session or whether you hold positions across multiple approved instruments simultaneously. Standard risk rules apply (Max Loss Limit, position limits per contract, session close requirements). The approved list defines which products are eligible, not how many you can run at once.

Are products available the same in evaluation and funded phases?

Yes. All 36 approved products are available in both phases. No restrictions change between challenge and live account. Position limits scale with account size, but the menu of tradable instruments stays the same throughout the trader's progression on Lucid.

Why is palladium excluded from Lucid Trading?

Palladium (PA) is excluded despite Lucid approving the broader platinum group via PL (Platinum). The most likely rationale is extreme volatility and lower liquidity in palladium futures relative to gold, silver, and platinum. The exclusion is consistent with Lucid's broader filter against thin or hyper-volatile contracts.

Can I run the soybean crush spread on Lucid Trading?

Yes. ZS (Soybeans), ZL (Soybean Oil), and ZM (Soybean Meal) are all on the approved list, which supports the full crush spread structure. Commission is $2.80 per side per leg, so a full three-leg crush is more expensive to operate than a single-leg position. The seasonal mechanics align with USDA report cycles.

Has I tested all 36 Lucid products?

No. my testing has emphasized ES, NQ, MES, MNQ, and crude oil (CL) across LucidFlex and LucidPro programs, with $24,000 withdrawn across 30 payout cycles. The agriculture and forex futures groups have been underused given commission economics and my intraday momentum focus. The product list is comprehensive; individual usage depends on strategy fit.