Marginaalivaatimukset

Marginaalivaatimukset, or margin requirements, are a key concept in financial markets, particularly in derivatives trading like futures and options. They represent the minimum amount of capital an investor must deposit and maintain in their account to cover potential losses on their positions. Essentially, it's a good faith deposit to ensure that a trader can meet their obligations, even if the market moves unfavorably.

These requirements are set by clearinghouses or exchanges to reduce systemic risk. When a trader opens a leveraged position, they are effectively borrowing money from the clearinghouse to control a larger amount of an underlying asset. The initial margin is the upfront deposit required to open the position. The maintenance margin is a lower threshold that the account equity must stay above to keep the position open. If the account equity falls below the maintenance margin, the trader receives a margin call, demanding that they deposit additional funds to bring the account back up to the initial margin level. Failure to meet a margin call can result in the liquidation of the trader's positions. Marginaalivaatimukset vary depending on the volatility of the underlying asset, the type of derivative, and the specific market.