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Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency Margin Trading

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cryptocurrency margin trading is profitable but very risky

Margin trading involves borrowing funds from an exchange, brokerage, or third party to increase investment. It leverages investment and position and allows traders to make more money using a “loan” with limited resources. 

Just like other markets, cryptocurrency trading requires due diligence for profitability. Several hacks exist that traders use to make it big in the industry. Crypto traders with limited capital are keen on opportunities to make more profits while trading. Margin trading gives such options.

For Instance:

Suppose a trader wants to buy $1k worth of BTC but only has $200. With Margin Trading, they could leverage 5:1 and borrow $800 to purchase the entire $1k. Of course, they will have to pay back the $800 borrowed plus interest accrued. 

From this investment, two things may happen,

  1. The investment goes well, and a profit is made – All traders aim to profit from margin trading. This way, they will not have a problem paying back their lenders. 
  2. The investment performs poorly, leading to a loss – A loss from margin trading means that the trader’s account has insufficient funds to pay back the lender. Brokers place a margin call in such a scenario.  

Frequently Used Terminologies in Margin trading

Some of the most used terms in margin trading are:

Margin call – This is a demand by the lender that a trader deposits additional funds or securities (as maintenance margin) to their account as an assurance that they are in a position to pay back the loan.

Buying Power – This is the total amount invested by a trader. It includes the total amount a trader has in their account plus the amount borrowed as a margin.

Maintenance Margin – The balance a trader needs to maintain in their margin account for the account to remain active. If the margin account falls below the maintenance margin, the trader will have to deposit more funds or sell underlying assets to raise funds. 

Collateral is the margin-able assets or securities on which the lender’s loan is based. Risk is created on the stakes when a trader buys on margin.

Initial Margin – This is a trader’s initial deposit before making a margin trade. For instance, a 50% initial margin means the investor must deposit half of the buying power in their margin account and get the remaining half from lenders.

Advantages of Margin Trading

  1. Increased returns – Margin trading increases the buying power of traders with limited resources and increases their returns when their holdings’ price moves in their favor.
  2. Portfolio diversification – With a margin account, a trader can use shares as collateral for a loan. The loan proceeds can then be used for portfolio diversification. This method benefits traders with a significant unrealized capital gain and wants it to remain that way. 
  3. Short selling short selling is a way of trading in which margin account owners can profit even when coin prices fall. Experienced traders take advantage of short selling to gain even in a declining market.
  4. Low-interest rates Margin loans attract lower interest rates compared to other loans. This, plus less paperwork and a standard application fee, are required to make margin loans more competitive. 
  5. Flexibility – There is no pressure to repay margin loans as long as your account debt is below the minimum maintenance margin. Also, the ability to invest more with less capital creates room for market exploration and taking timely action toward market opportunities. 

Risks Involved in Margin Trading

Magnified Losses – As much as the margin magnifies profits for the investor, so does it stretch potential loss. Investing with double buying power means the possible loss will double if the market goes wrong. 

A trader can lose more than their investment through margin trading. This further magnifies the financial and psychological risks involved in cryptocurrency trading. Also, contrary to the notion that taking loans from brokers is more straightforward than from banks, brokers can be as binding as banks.

Margin calls RiskExchanges require that traders always maintain a minimum margin in their margin account. If this balance goes below the minimum balance at any given time, the trader receives a margin call asking them to top up their account within a limited time. If the trader doesn’t have extra cash to maintain sufficient balance, they could be forced to sell their assets at a loss.

Assets liquidation – Brokers in margin trading can initiate actions against the trader if they breach the trade agreement. The brokers can liquidate your assets and recover their funds if you fail to honor a margin call. 

Margin Trading Best Practices

Invest Wisely: Anyone willing to invest in margin trading should never forget the golden rule: “Margin trading amplifies both potential profits and losses.” As such, ensure you are in an excellent financial and psychological position to remain in the market if things take either route. 

Incremental borrowing: Beginners should abstain from borrowing the total allowed limit. Start with a smaller amount and increase it with time as you gain experience. 

Early repayment: Like bank loans, the more you stay with a Margin loan, the higher the interest you pay. Settling the margin earlier to avoid paying more elevated amounts is advisable.

Author’s Thoughts

Margin trading is exciting and risky at the same time. It provides excellent profit potential but also huge risks. This calls for financially and psychologically stable investors and those willing to ride on the inevitable volatility of cryptocurrency markets.

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A basic understanding of margin trading, advantages, and risks is a significant first step in the long adventure of cryptocurrency trading.

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A part-time trader with a fine eye for detail. Over the years, I have developed an intriguing interest in blockchain technology and enjoy writing about cryptocurrencies.

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