Introducing Margin Trading

Margin is the collateral that an investor has to deposit with their broker or exchange to cover the credit risk the holder poses for the broker or the exchange.

Margin trading refers to the practice of using borrowed funds from a broker to trade a financial asset, which forms the collateral for the loan from the broker.

 

Margin Amplifies Your Gains and Losses

Suppose you bought $100 worth of stock using a margin account, funding the purchase with 50% margin loan. Which means you put $50 of your own money in and borrow $50 from your broker.

- If the stock rise by 50%, you will gain $50, now you have $110($50+$50).

- If the stock drop by 60%, you will lost $60, now you have $0 and owe your broker $10($50-$60).

 

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Increases purchasing power	Incurs account fees and interest charges
May result in greater gains due to leverage	May result in greater losses due to leverage
Often more flexible than other types of loans	May result in margin calls which require additional equity investments

 

Disclaimer：This article is intended for general circulation and educational purpose only and does not take into account of the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment products mentioned. In the event you choose not to seek advice from a financial adviser, you should consider whether the investment product in question is suitable for you.

Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in this article, are not necessarily indicative of future performance of any investment products. Your investment is subject to investment risk, including loss of income and capital invested. The value of the investment products and the income from them may fall or rise. No warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of this article. Overseas investments carry additional financial, regulatory and legal risks, you should do the necessary checks and research on the investment beforehand.

The information contained in this article has been obtained from public sources which the uSMART Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“uSMART”) has no reason to believe are unreliable and any research, analysis, forecast, projections, expectations and opinion (collectively “Analysis”) contained in this article are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. uSMART has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Analysis is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Analysis contained in this presentation is subject to change, and uSMART, its directors, officers or employees shall not have any responsibility for omission from this article and to maintain the information or Analysis made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. uSMART, its directors, officers or employees be liable for any or damages which you may suffer or incur as a result of relying upon anything stated or omitted from this article.

Views, opinions, and/or any strategies described in this article may not be suitable for all investors. Assessments, projections, estimates, opinions, views and strategies are subject to change without notice. This article may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or performance of the market and investment products. You should make your own independent assessment of the relevance, accuracy, and adequacy of the information contained in this article. Any reference to or discussion of investment products in this article is purely for illustrative purposes only, is not intended to constitute legal, tax, or investment advice of any investment products, and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products mentioned. This article does not create any legally binding obligations on uSMART. uSMART, its directors, connected persons, officers or employees may from time to time have an interest in the investment products mentioned in this article.