What leverage did you start with, and would you choose it again?
High leverage lets a small account control a large position, but it also makes a small move in the market a large move in your balance. Regulators cap it differently around the world.
Share your experience:
- the leverage on your first live account
- the first time it worked against you
- what you'd recommend to someone opening an account today
The leverage and margin guide explains the mechanics, and leverage limits by region lists the legal maximums.
Background: Leverage and margin explained: margin calls, stop-outs and how losses grow
Leverage lets you control a large position with a small deposit. It magnifies losses exactly as much as gains, and it is behind most blown trading accounts.
What does 30:1 leverage mean?
You can control a position 30 times larger than your margin deposit. $1,000 of margin opens a $30,000 position, and gains and losses are calculated on the full $30,000.
What is a margin call?
A warning from your broker that losses have reduced your margin level to a set threshold. If it keeps falling, the broker starts closing positions automatically, which is called a stop-out.
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