Margining Risk
Margining risk refers to the risk that arises from the process of maintaining margin accounts, where traders are required to deposit collateral to cover potential losses in leveraged positions. This risk occurs when market volatility causes significant swings in asset prices, leading to margin calls or insufficient collateral in the account. If the margin requirements are not met, traders may face forced liquidation of their positions or additional funding demands from their broker.
Example
A trader holding a leveraged position in the stock market experiences a sharp price drop, triggering a margin call. If the trader fails to meet the margin requirement, the broker may liquidate the position to cover losses.
Key points
• The risk associated with maintaining margin accounts and meeting margin requirements.
• Arises from market volatility, which can trigger margin calls or forced liquidation of positions.
• Common in leveraged trading, where traders use borrowed capital to increase potential returns.