If you’re trading E-mini futures like the S&P 500 (ES), having the right indicators can make a major difference. Technical indicators help traders generate buy/sell signals, confirm trends, and manage risk.
In this post, we’ll explore 5 essential indicators that are commonly used by E-mini traders to improve the accuracy of their trading signals.
1. Moving Averages (EMA/SMA)
Purpose: Identifying trend direction and crossover signals
Moving Averages are foundational in technical trading. The two most used types:
- Simple Moving Average (SMA): Calculates the average price over a set number of periods
- Exponential Moving Average (EMA): Places more weight on recent prices
How to Use:
- A short-term MA (e.g., 9 EMA) crossing above a long-term MA (e.g., 21 or 50 EMA) is a bullish signal
- A downward crossover suggests a bearish reversal
Why it matters:
Smooths out market noise and helps spot entry points during trends.
2. Relative Strength Index (RSI)
Purpose: Identifying overbought and oversold conditions
RSI measures the strength of recent price changes on a scale from 0 to 100.
How to Use:
- RSI > 70: Market may be overbought (look for short opportunities)
- RSI < 30: Market may be oversold (look for long setups)
Why it matters:
RSI can signal potential reversals or help confirm momentum in trend-based strategies.
3. Supertrend Indicator
Purpose: Generating clear buy/sell trend signals
The Supertrend is a user-friendly overlay that changes color based on price action.
How to Use:
- Green line below price = Buy signal
- Red line above price = Sell signal
Why it matters:
It’s visually simple and ideal for beginners. Works best in trending markets, not sideways ones.
4. VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price)
Purpose: Measuring fair value based on volume
VWAP represents the average price of an asset, weighted by volume. It’s widely used by institutions.
How to Use:
- Price above VWAP = Bullish bias
- Price below VWAP = Bearish bias
- Look for retests or bounces at VWAP during intraday setups
Why it matters:
VWAP helps confirm whether price is trending above or below a key value zone.
5. MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)
Purpose: Spotting momentum and trend reversals
MACD shows the relationship between two EMAs (typically 12 and 26) and includes a signal line.
How to Use:
- MACD line crossing above signal line = Bullish
- MACD crossing below signal line = Bearish
Why it matters:
Combines trend-following and momentum into one tool. Good for timing entry/exit in swing trades.
Bonus Tip: Combine Indicators for Better Signals
No single indicator is perfect. Many traders use 2 or 3 indicators together to confirm setups. For example:
- Supertrend + RSI = Entry & confirmation
- VWAP + MACD = Intraday momentum + direction
- Moving Averages + MACD = Trend + crossover timing
Avoid overcrowding your charts — use only the tools you understand and trust.
Final Thoughts
These 5 indicators — Moving Averages, RSI, Supertrend, VWAP, and MACD — are widely used in E-mini trading signals for a reason. They offer clarity, structure, and support for both beginners and experienced traders.
Choose the indicators that align with your trading style, test them, and build a routine that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best indicator for E-mini trading?
There’s no single best one — but Supertrend, VWAP, and RSI are excellent starting points for beginners.
Can I use indicators alone to trade E-minis?
Yes, but it’s best to combine them with price action and market context for higher accuracy.
Are these indicators available on all platforms?
Yes — they’re available on platforms like TradingView, NinjaTrader, Thinkorswim, and MetaTrader.
Should I use more than one indicator?
Yes, combining 2–3 complementary indicators can improve your edge — but don’t overdo it.
Do indicators work in all market conditions?
No — trending indicators fail in choppy markets, and oscillators can mislead in strong trends. Adjust accordingly.
