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Trading Scenario: Margin Call Level at 100% and Stop Out Level at 50%

Understanding margin levels and stop-out levels is crucial for forex traders, as different brokers have varying policies. In this scenario, we’ll explore what happens when a broker sets a Margin Call Level at 100% and a Stop Out Level at 50%.

This article will guide traders on how margin works, how losses can impact their equity, and the risks of not managing trades properly. If you’re trading forex in Pakistan, understanding these concepts is key to avoiding account liquidation.

Step 1: Deposit Funds into Trading Account

You deposit $10,000 into your trading account. This is your starting balance.

Position	FX Pair	Position Size	Entry Price	Current Price	Margin Level	Equity	Used Margin	Free Margin	Balance	Floating P/L
–	–	–	–	–	–	$10,000	–	$10,000	$10,000	–

Step 2: Required Margin Calculation

You go long GBP/USD at 1.30000, opening a 1 standard lot (100,000 units) position with a Margin Requirement of 5%.

Notional Value Calculation:
- £1 = $1.30
- £100,000 = $130,000
Required Margin:
- $130,000 × 5% = $6,500

Since this is the only open position, Used Margin = Required Margin = $6,500.

Step 3: Equity and Free Margin Calculation

Equity = Balance + Floating P/L
- $10,000 = $10,000 + 0
Free Margin = Equity – Used Margin
- $3,500 = $10,000 – $6,500
Margin Level Calculation:
- (Equity / Used Margin) × 100%
- (10,000 / 6,500) × 100% = 154%

FX Pair	Position Size	Entry Price	Current Price	Margin Level	Equity	Used Margin	Free Margin	Balance	Floating P/L
GBP/USD	100,000	1.30000	1.30000	154%	$10,000	$6,500	$3,500	$10,000	$0

Step 4: Market Drops 400 Pips! Margin Call Warning!

New Price: 1.26000
Floating Loss:
- (1.26000 – 1.30000) × 100,000 × $10 = -$4,000
New Equity:
- $6,000 = $10,000 – $4,000
New Free Margin:
- $6,000 – $6,300 = -$300
New Margin Level:
- (6,000 / 6,300) × 100% = 95% (Below 100%, triggering a Margin Call!)

FX Pair	Position Size	Entry Price	Current Price	Margin Level	Equity	Used Margin	Free Margin	Balance	Floating P/L
GBP/USD	100,000	1.30000	1.26000	95%	$6,000	$6,300	-$300	$10,000	-$4,000

At this point, you receive a Margin Call warning, meaning you cannot open new positions unless you deposit more funds or close trades.

Step 5: Market Drops Another 290 Pips! Stop Out Triggered!

New Price: 1.23100
Floating Loss:
- (1.23100 – 1.30000) × 100,000 × $10 = -$6,900
New Equity:
- $3,100 = $10,000 – $6,900
New Free Margin:
- $3,100 – $6,155 = -$3,055
New Margin Level:
- (3,100 / 6,155) × 100% = 50% (Stop Out Level reached!)

FX Pair	Position Size	Entry Price	Current Price	Margin Level	Equity	Used Margin	Free Margin	Balance	Floating P/L
GBP/USD	100,000	1.30000	1.23100	50%	$3,100	$6,155	-$3,055	$10,000	-$6,900

Since the Margin Level has reached 50%, the broker automatically closes your trade to prevent further losses.

Your final account balance is now $3,100, meaning you’ve lost 69% of your capital.

Key Takeaways for Forex Traders in Pakistan

Margin Calls Occur at 100%: If your Margin Level drops to 100%, you cannot open new positions.
Stop Outs Happen at 50%: If your Margin Level drops to 50%, the broker automatically closes your trades.
Proper Risk Management is Crucial: Use stop losses and manage leverage to avoid liquidation.
Monitor Equity and Free Margin: Ensure your account is not over-leveraged, reducing the risk of Margin Calls.
Be Aware of Market Volatility: High volatility can trigger Margin Calls and Stop Outs faster than expected.

For the latest forex insights, risk management tips, and trading strategies, visit www.dailyforex.pk – your trusted source for forex news in Pakistan!

Hamza Shah