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What is Margin Trading? A Detailed Guide

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You heard news that is expected to swing up the share price of a company in near future. You wish to buy 100 shares of that company right now & hold it for a month, but your available fund only allows you to buy 30 of them. Is there a way you can buy all 100 shares right now?

Yes, through Margin Trading.

Margin Trading is the process of trading in which an investor can buy more stocks than he can afford with the funds that are available to him at the moment. In this, he is allowed to buy stocks by paying a marginal amount of the actual value. To avail of the Margin Trading Facility, or Margin Trade Funding (MTF), the investor needs to request his stockbroker to open an MTF account. A minimum balance (known as the minimum margin) has to be maintained in the margin account. This is specified by the broker. Before trading, the investor is required to deposit a certain percent of the total traded value, and the rest is funded by the broker. The broker charges an interest rate on the Total MTF Position created by the client.

How Does Margin Trading Work?

After the opening of an MTF account, the broker can fund client’s trade once client places an order under MTF & pays the required margin. The funded amount is like a loaned capital that the investor will pay interest on.

Example : An investor wishes to purchase shares worth Rs 50,000 but he doesn’t have the full amount. He can pay a part of the total amount to buy the shares, called margin.

Suppose the margin, in this case, is 25%. So, the investor pays Rs. 10,000 (25% of Rs. 40,000) to the broker as margin. The investor is required to pay interest to the broker on Total MTF position created.

Advantages of Margin Trading

  • It’s ideal for an investor looking to make a profit through short-term price fluctuations in the stock market but doesn’t have enough cash in hand.
  • MTF helps in enhancing the investors’ purchasing power.
  • Securities in the Demat account /portfolio could be utilized as a security/collateral to pay the margin.

Eligibility for Margin Trading

As an investor, you need to have an MTF account with the broker so that you can avail of the MTF facility.

The broker defines the minimum maintenance level and that needs to be maintained when you are taking a trade under MTF. In case of failure to maintain it, your trade gets squared-off. Prior to squaring-off, the broker intimates you to replenish margin account with additional capital to meet the minimum maintenance level, through a margin call. If replenished, the position will not be squared-off and you can continue to hold it.

Features of Margin Trading

  • As per SEBI regulations, only authorized brokers can offer Margin Trade Funding.
  • Margin Trade Funding facility has to be activated after opening Demat and trading account. Some brokers will require you to submit a Power of Attorney document to activate MTF
  • SEBI and the respective stock exchanges pre-define the shares that can be traded through margin trade funding.

Risks Involved in Margin Trading

  • Profits & Losses - Margin is like a double-edged sword. It can help investors magnify profits & also magnify losses. There’s a great chance that you may end up losing more than what you invested.
  • Minimum Balance – The investor needs to keep a minimum balance in the MTF account at all times when an MTF position is open. In case the balance falls below the minimum level, the broker intimates the investor to meet the minimum balance. If he is unable to, then he is forced to sell some or all the shares under MTF order for the maintenance of the minimum balance.
  • Liquidation – In the event of failure on the investors’ part to keep up with the margin trade terms, the broker may square off the position and liquidate the investor’s assets for recovery of the amount.

SEBI Regulations Regarding Margin Trading

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has established several regulations to ensure the safety and transparency of margin trading in the share market. These regulations help protect both traders and brokers by setting clear guidelines for margin requirements, leverage limits, and disclosure norms.

Regulation

Description

Initial Margin

The minimum margin that traders must deposit before executing trades. Typically, this is a percentage of the transaction value, ensuring that traders have a stake in their trades.

Maintenance Margin

The minimum account balance that must be maintained to keep margin trades open. If the account balance falls below this level, a margin call is issued, requiring the trader to deposit additional funds.

Leverage Limits

SEBI imposes limits on the maximum leverage that can be provided to traders. These limits vary by asset class and the trader's risk profile, ensuring that leverage is used responsibly.

Margin Call Requirements

Brokers must issue margin calls to clients if their account equity falls below the maintenance margin. This helps prevent excessive losses and ensures that traders can cover their positions.

Disclosure Requirements

Brokers are required to provide detailed disclosures about margin trading policies, fees, and risks. This transparency helps traders make informed decisions and understand their obligations.

Risk Management

SEBI mandates robust risk management practices for brokers, including regular stress testing and maintaining adequate capital reserves. These measures help ensure the stability of the brokerage system.

Reporting Obligations

Brokers must regularly report their margin trading activities to SEBI, including details of margin calls, client balances, and leverage ratios. This oversight helps SEBI monitor market integrity.

Margin Trading in Mutual Funds

Typically, mutual funds cannot be purchased through margin trading due to their trade mechanism. Mutual funds cannot be bought and sold like stocks as the pricing mechanism of equity stocks and mutual funds is different. Investors use mutual fund houses to buy and redeem mutual fund units.

Essential Margin Trade Practices

a) Invest cautiously – If you plan to invest through margin trading, then you need to be aware about its features and your obligations. Margin trading entails both profits and losses. If the market moves in your favour, then you might not face any obligation but if it doesn’t, then you have to get into action and be wary of margin calls. Invest through margin trading only if you have enough cash to cope with the unexpected moves that’s against your margin position and you’re able to meet the margin call.

b) Don’t buy all at once – A common practice of investors is to build the positions gradually over time and not in one go. The first time, if your stocks fall by a certain percentage, you won’t be incurring huge losses at once. With gradually building up your position, you can assess the markets and progress accordingly. This helps to reduce your risk and optimize your returns.

Conclusion

Margin trading in the share market offers traders the opportunity to enhance their purchasing power and potentially increase returns. However, it also comes with higher risks. Understanding SEBI regulations regarding margin trading is essential for traders to navigate the market safely and responsibly. By adhering to these regulations, traders can protect their investments and minimize risks. Always stay informed about the latest regulations and maintain a disciplined approach to trading. Margin trading can be profitable, but it requires careful risk management and a thorough understanding of the market dynamics. 

 

Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.As subject to the provisions of SEBI Circular CIR/MRD/DP/54/2017 dated June 13, 2017, and the terms and conditions mentioned in rights and obligations statement issued by the TM. (if applicable)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is margin trading in share market?

Answer Field

Margin trading in the share market allows traders to buy more shares than they can afford by borrowing funds from brokers. This method amplifies both potential gains and losses.

What is an example of margin trading

Answer Field

An example of margin trading is buying shares worth INR 1,00,000 by depositing INR 50,000 and borrowing the remaining INR 50,000 from a broker. If the share price increases, the trader profits from the larger position.

Is margin trading profitable?

Answer Field

Margin trading can be profitable if the market moves in the trader's favor, allowing them to capitalize on larger positions. However, it also increases the risk of significant losses if the market moves against the trader.

Is margin trading better than stock trading?

Answer Field

Margin trading is not inherently better than regular stock trading; it depends on the trader's strategy and risk tolerance. While it offers higher potential returns, it also comes with greater risks.

What are the problems with margin trading?

Answer Field

Problems with margin trading include the potential for substantial losses, margin calls requiring additional funds, and the increased pressure to monitor positions closely. It can also lead to higher trading costs due to interest on borrowed funds.

What is 5x margin in intraday?

Answer Field

A 5x margin in intraday trading means that traders can trade stocks worth five times their account balance. For example, with INR 10,000 in their account, they can trade up to INR 50,000 worth of shares for intraday purposes. 

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