What is Margin?
Margin is the collateral a trader deposits to control a larger position using borrowed funds from the broker. It allows traders to leverage their capital and amplify gains (and losses). Margin trading is common in stock markets, forex, and commodities.
Formula Used
Margin Required = (Trade Size x Asset Price) / Leverage
Example
Suppose you're trading 100 shares of a stock priced at Rs. 500 with 5x leverage:
- Trade Size = 100 shares x Rs. 500 = Rs. 50,000
- Leverage = 5x
- Margin = Rs. 50,000 / 5 = Rs. 10,000
So, you'll need Rs. 10,000 as margin to take a Rs. 50,000 position.
Benefits
- Enables higher exposure with less capital
- Useful for intraday and short-term trading
- Can maximize returns in trending markets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is margin trading safe?
It carries risks. Use proper stop-losses and risk management strategies.
How much margin is needed for intraday trading?
It depends on the broker, stock, and leverage offered�often much lower than delivery trades.
Can margin lead to losses greater than my investment?
Yes, leveraged losses can exceed your margin if the market moves against you.