In the beginning, only banks and hedge funds could trade in the forex market. This was due to high amounts of money the banks were trading in. No average investor could afford it. Only lately have investors been able to participate in the forex market. This is due to them purchasing currencies on the margin.
One lot in the forex market is $100,000. There is a high amount of money exchanging hands in the forex market. This is due to the many valuable trait’s the forex market has to offer. For example, the market is open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week; there are many forms to reduce risk in the market (stops); it is fairly easy to come in and out of the market because it is highly liquid. Lastly, the market is very volatile.
Since average investors have only recently taken to trading in the forex market, transactions made through brokers have changed. Original lots were $100,000 each. Now there are mini lots. A mini lot is $10,000. If an investor wanted to trade in the forex market through a broker, they would be required to give the broker a collateral. This would be $1,000 or 1% of the lot. Brokers require the $1,000 if there is a loss of capital. The broker will then put the $1,000 in the investors account just in case there is any loss of capital.
When average investors decided to trade in the forex market, they tend to take out loans from banks. With any loan, there is always interest. Thus, on top of the risk of losing money through the forex market, investors also have to add the payment of interest into the mix. However, as an average investor, it becomes necessary to take out loans when participating in the forex market. This is referred to as leveraged financing. Leveraged financing has allowed to forex market to expand to new heights.
Losses are inevitable in the forex market. Especially since it is so volatile. Brokers shut down their accounts as soon as the margin is consumed. However, it is recommended that stops are used on all orders placed in the forex market. This is to limit the losses incurred by investors. When stops are not place on orders, the investor can lose up to $100,000. In other words, they can lose the size of their lot.
Thus, the importance of stops being placed on orders can not be stressed upon more. It reduces the amount an investor can lose in any of their orders in the forex market. Stops limit loses and continues to benefit the investor by granting them to gain profits at the same time. As well as that, margins are a must for investors in the forex market.
This article has shown the importance of margins and leveraging relating to the forex market for average investors. As well as that, it has explained the importance of placing stops on orders.
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