The IBKR mobile app allows the trader to view their current margin usage, as well as display the margin requirement for a particular trade before submitting it. This lesson will explore the different areas where margin values are displayed in the IBKR Mobile app. In this video we are assuming a Reg T margin account. However, the tools shown are identical whether the investor uses a cash account or a portfolio margin account. However, the impact on margin values is likely to be different. Please also note that margin requirements are subject to change as determined by Interactive Brokers, as well as changing market conditions.
● On the Portfolio screen, in the upper right corner is the net liquidity or net liquidation value, which is the total value of all assets marked
● Next, in the details area, you will find a margin matrix showing key data. These include the current maintenance margin required to support your portfolio, excess liquidity, defined as capital to loan value.
● Maintenance margin, or the amount of excess cash in excess of the usual requirement in the account.
● SMA which stands for Special Memorandum Account, which is a line of credit created when the market value of securities in a margin account increases in value.
This screen allows the user to see their portfolio status and leverage at a glance. Without any positions, the margin requirement is zero.
The trader can view the initial long and short margin requirements and long and short maintenance requirements of a particular instrument by going to the full quote details screen and scrolling down to the margin requirements area.
When the trader enters an order, in this example for approximately $30,000 USD, they can go to the preview screen to display the Balances section and view the margin matrix.
There are three columns of data showing Current, Exchange and Post Trade data related to Loan Equity, Maintenance, Initial Margin or the minimum amount needed to open a new position, and finally the Position. In this case, the investor is purchasing a specific number of shares and what will be the estimated impact on the margin. This is a great first reference point to help the investor compare the margin requirement with the face value of the shares purchased. When you’re ready, slide the bar to submit the order.El inversor está utilizando actualmente 30.000 dólares de su capital. Usando el margen, el inversionista puede agregar a second position of $30,000 to your portfolio. Repeat the above steps for another stock and check the margin on the preview screen before placing the trade.
Let’s go back to the top of the Portfolio screen to see the changes in maintenance margin, excess liquidity, SMA, and purchasing power.
Note the reduced value shown for purchasing power, as the total of the two positions of approximately $60k exceeds the NLV of $50k. The investor still has purchasing power, but is now trading with money borrowed from Interactive Brokers.
Having considered equities only up to this point, let’s add a commodity futures position to the account and measure the impact. The trader can enter the crude oil symbol and set up the trade just as he did previously with stocks. Please note the margin requirement on the Order Preview page. When you’re ready, swipe to send it.
To view more details, the investor can go to their account area and view their balances, margins and funds for US securities, US commodities or their total portfolio by tapping on the column header.
Click on the Balances tab to see,
● Net liquidation value
● Net Settlement Uncertainty, shows the uncertainty associated with after-hours price changes.
● Capital with loan value
● The previous day’s loan-to-value capital, which only applies to stocks and is the margined loan-to-value capital as of 16:00 ET the previous day
● Gross value of stock position, which also applies only to stocks and is the sum of the absolute value of long and short stocks and options (value of long stocks + value of short stocks + value of long stocks + value of short shares)
● and Cash.
- Reg T Margin
- Current initial margin
- Post-maturity margin @ openMargen del mantenimiento actual
- Projected initial margin for the future,
- Projected prospective maintenance margin
- Initial margin projected one day and
- Projected overnight maintenance margin.
Remember that for futures positions, the margin requirement is set by the listing exchange.
For stocks, the broker determines the amount of margin deployed, which could be a function of liquidity, market capitalization, or the concentration of positions in a specific sector. In any case, Interactive Brokers may charge more than the futures exchange or other brokers.
Clicking on the Funds tab:
● SMA
● purchasing power,
● Leverage
● and other details.
Please note that different stocks have different requirements. This is due to several factors, such as the market capitalization of the underlying, volatility and the sector in which it fits. There are several other factors that drive margin requirements, for more information visit the Interactive Brokers website.
