In foreign exchange trading, each broker or contract for difference provider sets its own additional margin level (Margin Call Level) and stop out level (Stop Out Level).
These values directly affect your risk management strategy when trading, so it is crucial to understand the additional margin and stop out levels set by the broker before choosing one.
This is a warning signal from the broker.
This action is to prevent your account from incurring larger losses.
Therefore, understanding and choosing a broker's policies that suit your trading style is crucial for successful forex trading.
These values directly affect your risk management strategy when trading, so it is crucial to understand the additional margin and stop out levels set by the broker before choosing one.
What are additional margin and stop out?
Additional margin level:
When your margin level falls to a certain percentage (usually 100%), the broker will issue an additional margin notification, reminding you to add funds or reduce positions to maintain your trading position.This is a warning signal from the broker.
Stop out level:
If your margin level continues to decline to the stop out level (for example, 50%), the broker will automatically close your positions.This action is to prevent your account from incurring larger losses.
Differences among brokers
- Some brokers handle additional margin and stop out together:
This means that when your margin level falls to 100%, the broker will not send additional warnings but will directly start automatic liquidation. - Other brokers handle additional margin and stop out separately:
The broker will issue a warning when the margin level falls to 100%, and only when the margin level falls to a lower stop out level (for example, 20% or 50%) will automatic liquidation be executed.
Trading risks
Not understanding the broker's margin policy can lead to significant losses:- If the broker you choose immediately performs a stop out when the margin level falls to 100%, you will have no time to respond.
- Conversely, if the broker provides additional warnings, you will have more time to add funds or adjust positions to avoid a stop out.
Practical example
Assume a broker sets the additional margin level at 100% and the stop out level at 20%.- When your margin level falls to 100%, you will receive an additional margin notification reminding you to add funds.
- If you do not take action and the market fluctuates further, when the margin level falls to 20%, the broker will automatically close your positions to protect your account from incurring more losses.
How to respond?
- Choose the right broker:
- Before choosing a broker, be sure to check their additional margin and stop out policies.
- Choose brokers that can provide clear warnings and sufficient buffer time.
- Understand margin policies:
- Each broker has different margin requirements, understanding these policies will help you manage risk better.
- Regularly monitor margin levels:
- Ensure your margin level remains within a safe range to avoid triggering additional margin notifications or stop outs.
Conclusion
Different forex brokers have different additional margin and stop out levels, which will affect your trading risk management.Therefore, understanding and choosing a broker's policies that suit your trading style is crucial for successful forex trading.