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How can I avoid a Margin Call?

Updated over 2 weeks ago

To avoid a margin call and margin issues with FNmarkets, follow these strategies:

• Keep an eye on your margin level to ensure it stays above the required maintenance margin.
• Ensure your free margin is enough to cover potential losses.
• Set stop-loss orders to limit losses and protect your account equity.
• Use lower leverage to reduce the risk of a margin call.
• Spread your investments to mitigate risk from adverse market movements.

Understanding Margin Call and Calculations:

A margin call happens when your margin level falls below the required maintenance margin, usually 100%. It’s important to monitor your margin level to avoid this.

Margin Level Formula:

Margin Level = (Equity × 100) / Margin Used

Where:

  • Equity = The balance in your account (Balance ± PnL).

  • Margin Used = The amount of margin tied up in your open positions.

Example 1:

If your Equity is $5,000 and Margin Used is $1,000:
​Margin Level = (5,000 × 100) / 1,000 = 500%
This is well above 100%, so no margin call is triggered.

However, if your Equity falls to $800 with the same Margin Used of $1,000:

Margin Level = (800 × 100) / 1,000 = 80%

Now, the margin level is below 100%, and a margin call is likely.


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