Margin

Trading Mechanics

Quick Definition

Borrowed money used to purchase securities, or the amount required to open a leveraged position.

Detailed Explanation

Margin is essentially a loan from your broker that allows you to buy more securities than you could with just your cash. In margin trading, you typically pay a percentage of the purchase price (initial margin) and borrow the rest. Maintenance margin is the minimum account balance required to keep positions open. If your account falls below this level, you'll receive a margin call requiring additional funds or position closure. While margin can amplify gains, it also amplifies losses and incurs interest charges. Different markets have different margin requirements, with forex often offering the highest leverage.

Real Trading Example

With a 50% margin requirement, you can buy $10,000 worth of stock with $5,000 in your account, borrowing the other $5,000.

Related Terms

Learn More About Margin