Who sets the initial margin requirements on stocks?

The Security Exchange Act of 1934 gives the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve the responsibility to set initial margin requirements, but individual brokerage firms are free to set higher requirements. In futures contracts, initial margin requirements are set by the exchange.

What is initial margin requirement futures?

Initial margin is the amount required by the exchange to initiate a futures position. While the exchange sets the margin amount, your broker may be required to collect additional funds for deposit. Maintenance margin is the minimum amount that must be maintained at any given time in your account.

Why is initial margin required?

Initial margin is held to cover the losses that could arise in the period between the defaulter’s last variation margin payment and the point at which the surviving party is able to hedge or replace the trade.

What is initial and maintenance margin?

The initial margin is the amount a trader must deposit with their broker to initiate a trading position. The maintenance margin is the amount of money a trader must have on deposit in their account to continue holding their position, which is typically 50% to 75% of the initial margin.

What does 100 margin requirement mean?

Before trading on margin, FINRA, for example, requires you to deposit with your brokerage firm a minimum of $2,000 or 100 percent of the purchase price of the margin securities, whichever is less. This is known as the “minimum margin.” Some firms may require you to deposit more than $2,000.

How much margin should I use?

When possible, try not to use more than 10% of your asset value as a margin and draw a line at 30%. It is also a great idea to use brokers like TD Ameritrade that have cheap margin interest rates. Remember, the margin interest compounds as long as you keep the margin open.

Why do I need margin to trade futures?

Summary. Margin money is a deposit to secure a futures position while it is open. Margins must be maintained at the level required by the brokerage firm. When the futures position is closed, the remaining margin money after trade settlement can be returned to the account holder.

What are margin requirements for stocks?

FINRA Rule 4210 requires that you maintain a minimum of 25% equity in your margin account at all times. Most brokerage firms maintain margin requirements that meet or, in many cases, exceed those set forth by regulators.

What is the maintenance requirement for TD Ameritrade?

Maintenance requirements A maintenance requirement of 100% is needed for all long stocks trading at $2 and below. A maintenance requirement of $2.50 per share is needed for all short stocks trading below $2.50 per share.