Margin is one of the most misunderstood concepts in Forex trading. Yet, it is also the foundation of how traders control large positions with small amounts of money. Understanding it clearly can transform the way you see trading. Many beginners think margin is a cost or a fee. In reality, it’s not . Margin is simply the amount of money set aside by your broker to open and maintain a trade. It acts as a security deposit — a form of leverage that magnifies both profits and losses. What Exactly Is Margin? In simple terms, margin is the collateral required to control a position in the market. When you trade using leverage, your broker allows you to open a larger position than your actual account balance would normally permit. For example, if your broker offers 1:100 leverage , you only need $1,000 to control a $100,000 position. That $1,000 is your margin — your portion of the trade’s value that keeps your position open. According to data from the Bank for International Settle...
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