Margin call meaning

A margin call is a demand by a broker for an investor to deposit additional funds or securities to cover potential losses on an investment.


Margin call definitions

Word backwards nigram llac
Part of speech Margin call functions as a noun.
Syllabic division mar-gin call
Plural The plural of margin call is margin calls.
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) a,i
Consonants (6) m,r,g,n,c,l

Margin call is a term used in the financial world to describe a situation where a broker demands an investor to deposit more money or securities into their account to meet the minimum required amount. This requirement is triggered when the value of the investor's account falls below a certain threshold, usually due to losses from trades made on margin.

Margin call is a risk management tool used by brokers to protect themselves from potential losses if the value of the securities being held as collateral in a margin account declines. By requiring additional funds to be deposited into the account, brokers aim to ensure that investors have enough capital to cover any losses and prevent the account from going into default.

How does a margin call work?

When an investor buys securities on margin, they are essentially borrowing money from the broker to make the purchase. The investor is required to maintain a minimum level of equity in their account, known as the maintenance margin. If the value of the securities in the account falls below this level, the broker will issue a margin call, demanding additional funds to be deposited.

Consequences of a margin call

If an investor fails to meet a margin call, the broker has the right to sell off some or all of the securities in the account to cover the shortfall. This can result in significant losses for the investor, as the securities may be sold at a lower price than their original purchase price. Additionally, the investor may be responsible for any remaining debt if the proceeds from the sale are not enough to cover the margin call.

Overall, margin calls are an important aspect of margin trading, helping to manage risk and protect both investors and brokers from potential losses. It is crucial for investors to understand the risks involved in trading on margin and to be prepared to meet margin calls if necessary.


Margin call Examples

  1. After a sudden drop in stock prices, the investor received a margin call from their broker.
  2. The trader had to deposit additional funds to cover the margin call on their leveraged position.
  3. Failure to meet a margin call can result in the forced liquidation of securities in the investor's account.
  4. During a market downturn, many investors may receive margin calls as the value of their holdings decreases.
  5. Receiving a margin call can be a stressful experience for traders, as it often requires immediate action.
  6. An investor who consistently receives margin calls may be considered high-risk by their broker.
  7. Margin calls are a common occurrence in volatile markets where prices can fluctuate rapidly.
  8. Traders must carefully monitor their positions to avoid unexpected margin calls that can lead to losses.
  9. Meeting a margin call by depositing additional funds can help traders avoid forced liquidation of their assets.
  10. Some brokers may offer margin call alerts to help investors stay informed about their account status.


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  • Updated 08/04/2024 - 03:03:08