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Bear Market Investing On Futures: ES, NQ And Crude Oil |
Written by Renan Filho, Technology & AI specialist. Expiry dates and activation fees are always visible.
Quick Answer: Bear market investing on futures like ES, NQ, and crude oil is tough. Prop firms let you trade with their capital. But not all are equal. Here is my take on the best options for US traders.
Key Facts for US Traders (2026)
| Market | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Regulator | CFTC (futures) / SEC (securities) | Official |
| Prop firm model | Funded evaluations with profit split 70-95% | Vendor terms |
| Verification | Updated regularly | PropFirmDiscountApp |
| Best deal today | Code DISCOUNTAPP — up to 90% off | Updated regularly |
Why Bear Markets Favor Futures Traders
Futures let you short easily. You can hedge against a falling market. Leverage amplifies gains if you are right. Crude oil drops fast in a bear market. ES and NQ follow the S&P and Nasdaq. This is a smart move for experienced traders.
Best Prop Firms for ES and NQ Trading
FTMO is the most trusted. Their rules are strict but fair. Apex is cheap with $50 evaluations. Topstep has the best drawdown rules. FundedNext offers high profit splits. The5ers is decent for small accounts. E8 Markets is new but promising. Here is a quick comparison: FTMO: $155 eval, 80% split Apex: $50 eval, 80% split Topstep: $165 eval, 90% split FundedNext: $99 eval, 80% split The5ers: $100 eval, 80% split E8 Markets: $150 eval, 80% split
How to Trade Crude Oil in a Downtrend
Crude oil is volatile. Use tight stop losses. Follow EIA inventory reports. Do not overleverage. Short rallies but wait for confirmation. Opinion: crude oil is profitable if you respect risk. Stick to 1% risk per trade.
Tips for Passing Prop Firm Evaluations
Here are five tips: 1. Trade small – aim for 0.5% daily gain. 2. Use trailing stops to lock profits. 3. Avoid news events – volatility kills. 4. Stick to ES or NQ – they move steady. 5. Manage risk – never exceed 2% drawdown. These firms want consistency, not home runs.
Comparing Prop Firm Costs and Payouts
Here is how the top firms stack up. Use the discount code below to save money.
Quick Comparison
| Firm | Evaluation Cost (Original) | Discounted Cost | Profit Split | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | $155 | $124 with code BEAR20 | 80% | 10% |
| Apex | $50 | $40 with code APEX10 | 80% | 8% |
| Topstep | $165 | $148 with code TOP15 | 90% | 12% |
| FundedNext | $99 | $84 with code FN20 | 80% | 10% |
| The5ers | $100 | $85 with code 5ERS15 | 80% | 10% |
| E8 Markets | $150 | $127 with code E820 | 80% | 10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade ES futures with a prop firm?
Yes. Most firms allow ES, NQ, and crude oil. FTMO and Apex are solid for ES.
What is the best firm for crude oil futures?
FTMO and Topstep have clear rules for crude. Avoid firms with high drawdown limits.
How do payouts work?
You request a payout after reaching profit targets. FTMO pays within 48 hours. Smooth process.
Do I need to pass an evaluation?
Yes. You trade a simulated account to prove consistent profits. Then you get real capital.
Are there US-friendly prop firms?
FTMO, Apex, Topstep, and FundedNext accept US traders. Check their terms for SEC compliance.
Conclusion
Bear market trading on futures is risky. But with a solid prop firm, you can profit without losing your own cash. Use code BEAR20 at FTMO for 20% off. Click here: https://ftmo.com/?ref=behuman. Start today.
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Risk warning: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prop firm evaluations are simulations, not regulated brokerage accounts.