Audience: Traders and support agents • Applies to: NinjaTrader 8
Quick Summary
- Run the rollover tool: Control Center → Tools ▸ Database Management ▸ Rollover → Rollover.
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Update your charts/workspaces so each Data Series points to the new contract month (e.g.,
ES 12-25instead ofES 09-25). - Reload / Download historical data: use Ctrl+Shift+R on each chart, and/or Tools ▸ Historical Data to pull 7–15 days of Tick / Minute / Day.
- Verify orders/strategies/ATM templates reference the new contract.
- Flatten/cancel positions and orders manually: the rollover tool does not close trades on the expiring contract.
- Save your workspace (to keep the new contract bindings).
Tip: Most index futures roll quarterly (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec). Your feeds may roll on the Thursday a week before expiry; live volume typically migrates over 1–3 days. Always trade the most liquid month.
FAQ
Q: Does the rollover tool automatically change every chart?
A: Yes — NinjaTrader updates instruments for components that are open (charts, DOMs, panels) in the active workspace when you run the rollover tool. Components not open (closed charts, other workspaces) will not be changed; you must point those to the new month manually.
Q: Are positions and orders flattened automatically?
A: No — the rollover tool does not close or cancel any positions or working orders. Traders must manually flatten positions and cancel orders on the expiring contract before switching to the new contract.
Q: How much history should I download?
A: 2–7 days of Tick / Minute / Day is a good baseline after each roll.
Q: My workspace flips back to the old month on restart.
A: Save the workspace after switching (Control Center → Workspaces → Save). If you use templates, resave them from a chart bound to the new month.