What is margin?
Margin is the deposit your broker sets aside to keep a leveraged position open. It is not a fee. It is released when the trade closes.
Margin level and margin calls
Margin level is equity ÷ used margin × 100. Many brokers send a margin call near 100% and start closing positions (stop out) around 50%. Keeping used margin well below your equity gives your trades room to move.
Lower leverage means more margin per trade but does not change profit or loss per pip. Use the leverage calculator to see your real exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Does higher leverage mean higher risk?
Higher leverage lets you open bigger positions with less margin. Risk grows only if you actually trade bigger. Your lot size and stop loss decide the real risk.
What leverage is allowed for retail traders?
It depends on the regulator. Many European and UK brokers cap major pairs at 1:30, while some offshore brokers offer 1:500 or more.
Why does the gold price need to be entered?
Gold prices are not included in the free reference rates, so enter the live price from your platform.