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Maximize Returns: Navigating Low Margin & High Leverage in Commodity Derivatives

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Mr. Sanjeev Bajaj

As one of the most preferred financial instruments for majority investors, including retail investors and corporates in the Indian financial market, participants emphasize futures and options currency derivatives for price risk hedging and trading in India. From these two, currency futures are the known low-margin and high-leverage commodity derivatives contracts amongst commodity futures and stock futures. This blog explores the benefits and disadvantages of margin trading concerning commodities. Let's begin!

 

What is the Margin in Trading?


It refers to the amount of funds traders need to set aside, representing the trader's capital to maintain a leveraged trading position. As a security deposit, a margin allows traders to control more significant parts with less money. 

 

What is Leverage in Trading?


It refers to the ability to control a prominent position in the market with a relatively small amount of capital, expressed as 10:1; it indicates that for every $1 of the trader's capital, they actually control $10. Though leverage increases profits, it also improves the chance of losses.

 

What is Margin Trading in Commodities?


It involves using borrowed funds to trade commodity contracts. To open a position, traders are required to deposit a margin, which is a part of the contract's total value. However, this also exposes them to higher risks, as losses exceed the initial margin deposit. 

 

Significant Advantages of Margin Trading


Here's a breakdown of margin trading benefits-


  • Increased Buying Power- Margin trading allows investors to control more prominent positions with relatively little capital, amplifying their buying power with returns.
  • Profit Magnification- By leveraging borrowed funds, traders magnify their profits when the market moves in their favor.
  • Diversification Opportunities- Margin trading enables investors to diversify their portfolios and engage in multiple trades across different assets while spreading risk.
  • Short Selling- Traders take advantage of falling prices by engaging in short selling, profiting from the sudden decline in the value of an asset.
  • Flexibility in Trading Strategies- Margin trading provides flexibility for various trading strategies, including day trading, which caters to different investor preferences.

 

Disadvantages of Margin Trading


Here's a breakdown of margin trading disadvantages-


  • Increased Risk of Loss- While margin trading amplifies profits, it also improves the risk of significant losses, exceeding the initial margin deposit and leading to financial repercussions.
  • Margin & Interest Calls—If a trade moves against the investor, they receive a margin call, requiring them to deposit additional funds to cover the losses they face. On the other hand, borrowing funds incurs interest costs, which increase interest payments and impact profitability.
  • Market Volatility Impact- High market volatility leads to rapid price fluctuations, increasing the chances of margin calls with liquidation of positions.
  • Overtrading Risk—Access to increased buying power tempts traders to overtrade, exposing them to higher risks and losses.

 

Conclusion 


These advantages of margin trading with disadvantages emphasize that it's crucial for investors engaged in margin trading to have a thorough understanding of trading risks. This is why, by employing effective risk management strategies and trading responsibly, you effectively manage trading downsides.

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Mr. Sanjeev Bajaj
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